Border Patrol chief vows force against protesters who ‘cross the line’ despite Minnesota court order

WASHINGTON, DC: Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino says the new court order will not stop his agents from using force against violent protesters in Minnesota.

A federal judge has ordered that federal agents must not use force against peaceful demonstrators, but Bovino insists that pepper spray and tear gas remain necessary tools against “unruly” crowds.

Border patrol chief says fed agents to keep using force

Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said during an appearance on Fox News on Saturday, January 17, that a judge’s order directing agents to stop using pepper spray and tear gas against peaceful protesters will not prevent Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from using force against protesters who “cross the line.”

The comments followed an order from Katherine Menendez in Minnesota instructing federal agents to stop using those tools and to stop pulling over peaceful anti-ICE protesters. 

When asked whether the agencies would change their operations, Bovino said the order changes nothing, insisting that force is used only against protesters who are not behaving appropriately.

Chief explains force to keep officers and the public safe

Greg Bovino said the agencies use only the “minimum amount of force necessary to accomplish our mission.”

He defended his agents’ past actions, stating, “We never did use tear gas or any other less-lethal munitions against peaceful protesters.”

Bovino insisted that his agents respect the law but will act if situations turn violent. He added, “We support the First Amendment. We always support the First Amendment. But when they cross the line and they’re violent, we will use those less-lethal munitions because it keeps them safe, it keeps our officers safe, and it keeps the public safe."

Tensions grow in Minnesota after death of Renee Good

These comments come amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis, where protests have followed the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier this month on January 7.

There have been reports of protesters physically interfering with ICE operations, and local leaders, including Jacob Frey and Tim Walz, have criticized the federal government’s immigration crackdown.

It has been reported that the Justice Department is examining whether Walz and Frey conspired to impede federal immigration agents through their public statements criticizing ICE tactics, according to a senior law enforcement official and another person familiar with the matter.

Bovino concluded by inviting local police officers who are unhappy with their Democratic leaders to join federal teams instead, saying the federal agencies would “welcome you with open arms.”