ROSEMONT, Ill. — Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, at the forefront of a tough immigration push in Chicago, defended his agents' controversial tactics, which have sparked significant backlash from residents and led to multiple lawsuits.
From deploying chemical agents to conducting a helicopter raid on an apartment building, Bovino argued that the aggressive approaches taken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection are vital amid the threats his agents claim to face in the country's third-largest city.
I didn’t have any reason to think it would be this bad, but it’s far worse than I ever thought,” Bovino shared during an interview, as part of a continuing evaluation of his tactics amid ongoing litigation.
Since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz in September, over 3,200 individuals with reported immigration violations have been arrested, part of the Trump administration's strategy to target cities with designated 'sanctuary' immigration policies.
Bovino also stressed that his agents are treating the situation like relief officers in a police department, noting their role in managing what he deemed an ‘invasion’ of ‘criminal illegal aliens.’
As he addressed the media, fresh teams replaced agents who had spent two months in Chicago, with some arriving from a crackdown in Los Angeles, likening these agents' work to policing community areas.
Doubling Down on Chemical Agents
Bovino's presence has raised eyebrows around Chicago, where locals are startled by Border Patrol agents’ visibility outside the usual borders. His visible involvement, including patrols along the Chicago River and armed marches in shopping districts, quickly garnered attention from residents and activists.
Local responses have included protests, with activists honking horns and blowing whistles to express their discontent, particularly over the use of rubber bullets and pepper balls during confrontations. Amidst growing tensions, Bovino stated that employing chemical agents is “far less lethal” compared to the dangers agents face. He maintained, “If I had more CS gas, I would have deployed it.”
Despite legal challenges, including requiring agents to wear body cameras during operations, Bovino remained unapologetic about the approach taken, emphasizing the need for tough measures in the face of danger.
Praising Raids That Amplified Tensions
Agents’ tactics have seen them making arrests beyond conventional settings, including courthouse visits and truck stops, mirroring operations at border checkpoints. Bovino noted that even the operational methods used, such as rappelling from helicopters during raids, were deemed necessary based on intelligence.
The division continues to face scrutiny, especially after aggressive operations that many critics denounce as excessive. In response to community outrage, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has demanded investigations into claims of agents mishandling interactions with minors during operations.
Blaming Elected Leaders and Activists
Bovino has increasingly criticized Pritzker and activists for inflaming tensions, asserting that accusations against him are badly informed while residents have praised some of the operations. However, the contention continues as ongoing tensions reflect the political rift over immigration policies and community protection strategies.
Bovino concluded his statements without revealing plans to scale down the operation in Chicago, suggesting it could continue indefinitely, stating, “We’re going to be in Chicago a good while.”
