Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino has publicly criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson after being called ‘barbaric’ over the use of tear gas during protests with protesters. Bovino argued that anti-police rhetoric, including Johnson’s accusations, contributes to violence against immigration agents. The confrontational remarks came after Bovino appeared in court where he was ordered to comply with a judge’s rulings, including wearing a body camera and reporting to the judge nightly.
The legal issues stem from clashes in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, where Border Patrol agents reported being attacked with rocks, bottles, and fireworks. Bovino faces allegations related to the use of riot-control weapons during protests, which led to a federal judge ordering an investigation. The judge’s rulings include requiring Bovino to wear a body camera and report nightly, as well as a review of the use of tear gas during such incidents.
Johnson’s criticism of Bovino came amid broader tensions between local officials and federal law enforcement operations. The Trump administration’s ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ has led to more than 1,000 migrant arrests across Illinois, drawing criticism from local leaders who accuse agents of racial profiling and detaining both illegal immigrants and legal U.S. citizens. These accusations have been strongly denied by administration officials, who argue that the operations are necessary for enforcing immigration laws.