Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has found himself in an uncomfortable position recently when a smoke bomb deployment did not go as planned. As a prominent figure associated with former President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, Bovino has come under scrutiny for his handling of crowd control during protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Incident Overview
On a day filled with chaos, Bovino, aged 55, engaged with protesters in a Minneapolis park, where federal agents were clashing with demonstrators. The incident initiated near the intersection of West 28th Street and Blaisdell Avenue. Witnesses reported federal agents pulling a Latino teenage boy and a girl from a vehicle as tensions elevated.
Smoke Bomb Mishap
Bovino attempted to deploy a smoke canister to manage the escalating situation. However, after struggling with the pin, he miscalculated the wind direction, causing him to inhale a significant amount of green smoke. His reaction was captured on video, where he was seen enveloped in smoke while shouting warnings to the crowd.
Protest Dynamics
- Protesters had gathered in large numbers, vocally opposing the actions of the federal agents.
- A man was forcibly taken to the ground by agents who used a chemical irritant on him.
- Many individuals were seen rinsing their eyes on nearby sidewalks after being hit by the chemical spray.
Additional Developments
After streaming smoke filled the area, several protesters were left coughing and vomiting. Green stains were visible on the snow where the smoke settled. Amid the turmoil, a loaded rifle magazine was accidentally left behind by one of the agents, later retrieved by local police.
Legal Context
This incident took place shortly after a federal appeals court lifted restrictions on immigration agents regarding the use of force against peaceful protesters. Bovino’s actions come in the wake of a federal judge’s criticism of past tear gas tactics. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis found that Bovino and other agents had often acted to cause harm during protests.
Ongoing Controversy
Critics have pointed out that previous claims made by Bovino, particularly regarding his use of tear gas in Chicago, collapsed under scrutiny. Brought to light through court proceedings, these controversies reflect the broader challenges faced by law enforcement in managing civil unrest.
As Bovino’s reputation as Trump’s “commander-at-large” continues to draw attention, incidents like this raise questions about law enforcement tactics and their implications for community relations. The use of crowd control measures and the subsequent reactions from protesters highlight a critical area of ongoing public discourse.
