Relieved of Duty: Greg Bovino Loses His Job as “Commander at Large,” Ordered Back to El Centro

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota - Greg Bovino, a senior official with U.S. Border Patrol, has been removed from his high-profile role as “commander at large” and reassigned to the El Centro sector, marking a sharp reversal for an officer whose national presence had recently expanded beyond traditional field command.

According to officials familiar with the decision, Bovino’s ouster was effective immediately. While he retains his rank within Border Patrol, the removal strips him of the broad authority and visibility that came with the commander-at-large position—an assignment that allowed him to operate across sectors and engage directly in national-level border and enforcement discussions.

A Quiet Demotion With Loud Implications

The agency has not released a detailed public explanation for the move, but the reassignment is widely being viewed as a demotion rather than a routine personnel shuffle. The commander-at-large role is typically reserved for trusted leadership figures tasked with handling sensitive or politically charged operations. Losing that post signals a loss of confidence from upper management.

Bovino will now return to El Centro, a Southern California sector known for its demanding operational tempo but far removed from the influence and visibility of his former assignment.

Internal Pressure and External Scrutiny

The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of Border Patrol leadership and internal command structure, as the agency faces pressure from both political leaders and the public over enforcement practices, civil liberties concerns, and operational transparency. Leadership changes—especially sudden ones—often reflect broader internal recalibrations.

While Bovino has not issued a public statement, sources say the reassignment was not voluntary.

What Comes Next

For now, Bovino’s future within Border Patrol appears uncertain. A return to sector-level duties suggests the agency is limiting his role while it reassesses leadership priorities. Whether this move is a temporary setback or the beginning of a longer sidelining remains to be seen.

What is clear is that Greg Bovino’s tenure as a national-facing Border Patrol figure has come to an abrupt end—quietly, but decisively.