Ex-Border Patrol Chief Bovino refuses to regret deportations: 'I wish I'd gone even harder'

Gregory Bovino said he still had 'gas in the tank' and remained committed to contributing to immigration enforcement efforts
Gregory Bovino speaks during a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on January 22, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Getty Images)
Gregory Bovino speaks during a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal on January 22, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Border Patrol official Greg Bovino said he remains firmly behind the aggressive immigration enforcement policies carried out during President Donald Trump's administration, arguing that the government's efforts should have been even more forceful.

Speaking during an interview with 'Tomi Lahren Is Fearless' released on Thursday, July 9, Bovino defended the deportation campaign, dismissed criticism of the operation and said he would not change his approach if given another opportunity.



Gregory Bovino refuses to apologize

Reflecting on his time overseeing immigration operations, Bovino said he does not regret the tactics used to enforce federal immigration laws.

Instead, he suggested the administration could have gone further. "I've got no regrets about anything, except, that I wish I had gone even harder."

He added that he still feels capable of contributing to immigration enforcement efforts, saying he has "gas in the tank" and remains committed to the mission.

US Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino joins federal agents at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost via AP)
Gregory Bovino joins federal agents at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (Ellen Schmidt/MinnPost via AP)

Bovino also claimed that if he had another opportunity, he would speak directly with Trump regarding immigration strategy. 

According to him, outside influences, including polling data presented by advisers, may have contributed to a softer approach than originally intended.

During the interview, Bovino argued that stronger immigration enforcement reflected the priorities of voters who supported Trump's administration.

He said the work remains unfinished and suggested the United States still has a significant undocumented immigrant population.

Despite the controversy surrounding his role, Bovino said he has no intention of apologizing for his actions as a law enforcement official.



"I'm very unapologetic," he said. "I won't apologize for a legal, ethical, lawful, and much needed law enforcement mission."

Gregory Bovino highlights public support

Bovino acknowledged that his hardline views have attracted criticism, particularly from political opponents.

However, he maintained that negative encounters have been outweighed by supportive interactions with members of the public.

U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino (C) looks on as he is confronted by community members on January 21, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal plus federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Gregory Bovino looks on as he is confronted by community members on January 21, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

According to Greg Bovino, many people have approached him to express appreciation for his work and to thank him for enforcing immigration laws.

"90% are people saying, 'Can I get a picture with you? Thank you. We're sorry what happened to you,'" he said, adding that he believes those encounters reflect broad public backing for the enforcement campaign.

Looking ahead, Bovino expressed confidence that future generations of immigration enforcement officials and grassroots supporters will continue pursuing stricter border policies.

He praised President Trump and expressed confidence in his approach towards mass deportations of illegal aliens.

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