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Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino is embroiled in controversy following a confrontation in Chicago, where he allegedly deployed a tear gas canister into a crowd of protesters on Thursday. This action is said to be in violation of a federal judge’s order limiting crowd control methods at anti-ICE demonstrations.
However, a crucial detail appears to have been overlooked by the media. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated that Bovino was struck by a rock thrown by a protester before he responded with tear gas. McLaughlin took to X to clarify that the media narrative was misleading, highlighting this omission in the rush to criticize federal agents.
Activists, media organizations, and local clergy have filed a court document asserting that Bovino “apparently threw tear gas into a crowd without justification” during a protest in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. The filing references a Facebook video that captures Bovino throwing an object, but fails to show the events leading up to the incident.
“Defendant Bovino appears to throw either one or two tear gas canisters over the heads of armed federal agents in front of him and in the direction of a crowd,” the document states.
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis had previously imposed restrictions on DHS agents regarding the use of “aggressive crowd control tactics,” although her order allows for exceptions when individuals pose threats. Last week, Ellis expressed concern over compliance with her ruling, a statement that was quickly leveraged by left-wing plaintiffs eager to bring Trump officials back to court.
Bovino is named among a dozen administration officials in the lawsuit, which accuses DHS agents of employing “extreme brutality” aimed at silencing the press and civilians. CNN has reportedly sought comment from DHS.
Prior to the court filing, Bovino defended his team’s actions in an interview with CBS News, stating, “The use of force I’ve seen has been exemplary. By exemplary, I would say the least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission,” while noting that agents have faced violent attacks from “extremists and others.”
Tensions have escalated in Chicago since federal agents began operations in early September as part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a Trump-supported immigration initiative that has resulted in over 1,000 arrests. Critics label the operation as heavy-handed, while supporters argue it is necessary.
Judge Ellis has mandated that Bovino undergo a deposition before a hearing on November 5, extending the questioning time to five hours.
At 55, Bovino has become a prominent figure in President Donald Trump’s initiative to restore order in Democrat-led cities, drawing both criticism from the left and commendation from Homeland Security officials for his tough approach.
Additionally, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced the formation of a new “Accountability Commission” aimed at documenting alleged federal abuses.
