Chief Border Patrol Agent Greg Bovino said federal immigration agents are facing daily danger from aggressive agitators while carrying out large-scale enforcement operations in Minneapolis and across Minnesota, stressing that despite mounting hostility, the mission will not stop.
Bovino made the remarks during an exchange with Fox News host Jesse Watters, describing what he witnessed firsthand while accompanying agents in the field. He said confrontations with hostile activists have become routine and increasingly volatile.
“I was out on the street today, Jesse with the agents, and many similar situations occurred,” Bovino said.
“Luckily, they didn't result in something like that. But absolutely, agents are in a very precarious situation. Every single day they're out there on the streets. These agitators are out of control, as you said during your monologue, out of control, and they will do almost anything it seems to try to stop our mission.”
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
Watters pressed Bovino on how agents are able to continue operating amid repeated attacks and harassment, noting footage aired previously showing an agent being rushed and struck during an operation.
“Is the mission being stopped because you guys are showing so much patience. You're showing so much restraint. We showed video just last night of a woman bum rushing you, hitting you. How do you do your job under these circumstances?” Watters asked.
Bovino responded that enforcement activities are continuing at full scale and described the current operation as the largest Department of Homeland Security mission ever conducted.
He said thousands of agents are deployed and that professionalism remains consistent despite constant threats.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
“Jesse, the mission is not going to stop, and it hasn't stopped,” Bovino said.
“We've got 1000's of agents in the largest department of homeland security mission ever conducted. 1000s of agents here in Minneapolis and across Minnesota conducting this mission so it's not stopping, and that professionalism is on display every day.”
Bovino said he has been struck by the restraint shown by agents who are frequently confronted by violent mobs during extended shifts.
“I'll tell you, I am absolutely amazed at the restraint and the professionalism that ICE, Border Patrol and all those allied law enforcement agencies provide every single day, especially in the face of hundreds of violent agitators, violent mobs, rioters, you name it,” he said.
MORE NEWS: Wil Wheaton Blasts Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as a ‘Coward’ for Staying Silent on Politics
“Those agents are subject to that every day.”
He compared the environment to sustained conflict lasting an entire shift.
“It's almost like a running battle for a 10 or 12 hour shift, a running battle all shift long, and hats off to the to the to the ICE and Border Patrol,” Bovino said.
Watters described the conditions as unacceptable, pointing out that agents are enforcing policies backed by voters while being forced to operate in hostile conditions.
“A battle in the streets while you're conducting operations that the country voted for,” Watters said.
“It's a shame. It shouldn't have to be like that.”
Watters also asked whether agents are prepared for escalating tactics from activists, including blockades and people throwing themselves in front of vehicles.
“You anticipate that people are going to start throwing themselves in front of cars. You anticipate there's going to be more blockades. They're going to get more aggressive,” Watters said.
MORE NEWS: Danny Glover, 79, Reveals Heartbreaking Health Diagnosis: “Things Will Be Different” [WATCH]
“Do you guys have the strategy, the resources to be able to handle this?”
Bovino said agents have the necessary support and resources, crediting President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem for ensuring operational readiness.
“We do,” Bovino said.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem ensure that we do have those resources. We have exactly what we need to make Minneapolis, Minnesota and all the cities across America safe for Ma and Pa America.”
He said the leadership backing federal law enforcement has made a clear difference in the ability to sustain operations under pressure.
“Jesse, we're going to do that,” Bovino said.
“And I'll tell you what. We're working for a dream team that gets us the resources that we need when we need them.”
Bovino said agents remain constantly alert during operations and are aware that every moment carries risk.
MORE NEWS: Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik Honors America With USS Nimitz Freedom 250 Show [WATCH]
“So, you know, it's a matter of us being aware every single minute of every single mission that we're on, every single minute our heads are on a pedestal, and we're very aware of what's going on,” he said.
He added that despite the hostile environment, arrests of dangerous individuals are continuing and will not slow down.
“And you know, we're arresting a lot of bad people and bad things here in Minneapolis,” Bovino said.
“That's not going to stop.”
WATCH:
The Real MOU: What Trump’s Iran Agreement Actually Says – Truth Thursday | EP 677
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.
Once Islam gains a foot hold and begins to destroy our way of life…These liberal white women will cry out TRUMP did this to us!!! Its a never ending cycle with demon children.
Democrats are the stupidest form of life on this planet.
Thank you so much, I.C.E.! Deport ALL illegals! America First! ULTRAMAGA!
Sounds like the kind of running battles and violent mobs that the DOJ might want to act against and keep in jail. Pam Bondi, are you alive? Do you want your job just to get into the way?