Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino allegedly made disparaging comments about the Jewish faith of Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen during a January 12 phone call focused on immigration enforcement actions.

The Controversial Phone Call

During the discussion, Bovino reportedly used the phrase ‘chosen people’ in a mocking reference to Rosen’s Orthodox Jewish background. He also sarcastically questioned whether Rosen understood that Orthodox Jewish criminals do not observe weekends off, amid complaints about unavailable contact during Shabbat. Although Rosen delegated the call to a deputy, members of his office participated in the conversation.

Bovino pressed for stricter charges against demonstrators accused of interfering with immigration operations, highlighting tensions in the Trump administration’s enforcement efforts.

Rosen’s Background and Motivations

Rosen, nominated by President Donald Trump, is an Orthodox Jew who observes Shabbat. He has described the rapid rise of violent antisemitism in America as a key reason for entering public service. In an interview with Jewish Insider, Rosen stated, ‘Jewish history tells us that Jews fare poorly in societies that turn polarized, and where that polarization evolves into factional hatreds in the non-Jewish societies within which we live.’ He added, ‘Those factional hatreds virtually always evolve into violent expressions of hate against the Jews.’

Rosen noted that his path to orthodoxy developed gradually through early adulthood, including daily Talmud study.

Immigration Crackdown and Fatal Incidents

Bovino emerged as a prominent figure in the administration’s immigration initiatives in Minnesota, particularly after two high-profile deaths. On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, in Minneapolis. Authorities claimed Good refused to open her car door during a demonstration and drove toward Ross.

Bovino defended the agent’s actions, describing Good’s vehicle as a ‘four-thousand pound missile’ and stating that her and her wife Rebecca’s behavior showed ‘means, intent and opportunity.’ He added, ‘Hats off to that ICE agent. I’m glad he made it out alive, I’m glad he’s with his family.’

Further controversy arose after the death of Alex Pretti, also 37, an ICU nurse. Bovino portrayed law enforcement as the real victims, claiming Pretti ‘put himself in that situation’ and intended to ‘massacre’ federal agents.

The day after Bovino’s call with Rosen’s office, six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned in protest over the Department of Justice’s handling of Good’s case.

Backlash and Leadership Changes

Bovino’s statements drew sharp criticism from Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who compared them to ‘as if [Bovino] literally went on eBay and purchased SS garb,’ alluding to Nazi forces.

President Trump recently removed Bovino from his role in Minneapolis, appointing border czar Tom Homan as replacement. Homan acknowledged, ‘President Trump and I, along with others in the administration, have recognized that certain improvements could and should be made.’

Initial reports suggested Bovino’s dismissal, but Department of Homeland Security Assistant Press Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified he remains a vital team member. She emphasized, ‘Instead of focusing on gossip, why don’t you focus on something actually important like the victims of illegal alien crime or the criminals taken out of Minneapolis communities?’