Protesters make noise outside Minnesota hotel suspected to host Greg Bovino

MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA: As Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino prepares to leave Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 27, protesters gathered in the freezing cold Monday night, January 26. Dozens made noise outside "SpringHill Suites" hotel in Maple Grove where demonstrators believe Bovino was staying.

The protest came amid a major shake‑up of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, as the Trump administration shifts leadership and reduces its federal presence following a deadly Border Patrol shooting that has sparked widespread anger and demonstrations.

Anti‑ICE protesters swarmed the SpringHill Suites hotel

Several videos show protesters confronting police outside a Maple Grove hotel believed to house Greg Bovino as they oppose federal immigration enforcement. Bovino has become a focal point for activists criticizing tough ICE tactics after he recently directed Trump’s immigration efforts in Minnesota and other cities.

An X user posted an eight‑second clip of the confrontation with police, captioned, "Rioters are now at the Marriott in Maple Grove, Minnesota. This is where they assume Commander Greg Bovino is staying."

Another viral video captured the escalating anti‑ICE protest at a SpringHill Suites hotel, where dozens of masked demonstrators in black attire chanted and pounded on hotel windows. Two masked protesters were seen hitting the boarded‑up hotel with shovels, and several objects were thrown at police in Maple Grove.

A user captioned, "A person uses a shovel to bang on a sign outside a Marriott hotel in Maple Grove, Minnesota that protesters suspect Greg Bovino is staying at."

The footage also showed people playing drums and making noise, creating a tense standoff with police. One 23‑second clip captured protesters chanting "Say something! Stand up for us!" before an object, likely a snowball, based on similar incidents, was thrown at a line of riot‑geared officers, illustrating how the scene moved quickly from shouting to physical acts in subzero temperatures.

Another video showed people chanting "Shame on you," "F**k you." A separate clip was captioned "Anti‑ICE protesters were seen throwing snowballs at law enforcement in riot gear outside" the hotel.

Greg Bovino under fire for saying Alex Pretti planned to massacre law enforcement officers

President Donald Trump said he is putting his border czar Tom Homan in charge of immigration operations in Minnesota as criticism grows over the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse shot by federal agents that sparked protests and political backlash.

In announcing the change, Trump said on Truth Social that Homan will report directly to the White House and oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.

Critics have condemned comments by Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander who drew fire for claiming Pretti planned to “massacre” law enforcement officers, a claim authorities have not verified.

Pretti’s death led to more questions about how the federal immigration enforcement surge, known as Operation Metro Surge, has been run and fueled widespread demonstrations.

A person familiar with the situation reported that Bovino is among the federal agents expected to leave Minneapolis soon. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The shift in leadership comes as Trump’s tone on the Minnesota operation softened slightly. Trump described his phone calls with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as “very good,” and both officials said the current federal response cannot continue. Frey said he will continue pressing for other agents involved in the enforcement effort to depart.

Homan is now expected to lead ICE operations in the state. Mayor Frey said he plans to meet with Homan on Tuesday, January 27, to discuss the next steps.