Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara says Greg Bovino's actions have 'not been helpful'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Monday, Jan 26, that actions by a senior federal Border Patrol official in the city have “not been helpful” as tensions remain high following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation.

O’Hara’s comments reflect ongoing concerns among local law enforcement about federal involvement in local public safety matters.

Brian O’Hara hopes for de-escalation

The remarks by Brian ’O’Hara came after news that Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who has been prominently involved in the coordination of federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities, is expected to depart Minneapolis soon amid widespread public criticism and political pressure.

O’Hara told CNN that some of Bovino’s actions have “not been helpful.”

“He was riding around in the city with a caravan and stopping at places and kind of just shaking things up; that’s not been helpful,” the Minneapolis police chief said.

The chief said he hopes Bovino’s departure signals de-escalation of the tense situation in Minneapolis.

“Nobody in law enforcement is saying federal law enforcement should not be enforcing federal law. That’s ridiculous, right?” he said.

“But I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think that federal law enforcement should operate by the same standards and professionalism that the rest of law enforcement in the state does.”

Greg Bovino’s role in Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Bovino, described in federal circles as a key figure in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, has been a vocal defender of the immigration enforcement actions.

At times, he has blamed local leaders and critics for escalating tensions and insisted federal operations are lawful and targeted.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has suspended border patrol official Gregory Bovino’s access to his social media accounts effective immediately, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Over the weekend, Bovino had clashed with lawmakers and others online, responding to their posts on X about the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti.

In several recent posts on social media, Bovino had accused Pretti of assaulting federal law enforcement officers before he was killed, a claim that is not supported by video of the moments leading up to his death.

Bovino is expected to depart Minneapolis tomorrow, and President Donald Trump said he is sending border czar Tom Homan to lead the operation there.

O’Hara said he hopes the change in leadership will allow for better coordination and a reduction in public tensions, but noted that cooperative efforts between federal and local law enforcement remain critical.