Gregory Bovino, the former Border Patrol commander-at-large who became one of the most recognizable figures in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, is now reportedly taking his first steps toward a possible presidential campaign in 2028.
NewsNation confirmed that Bovino has launched an exploratory committee to evaluate a run for the White House. The longtime Border Patrol official, who retired in March after nearly three decades of service, told the outlet that his efforts remain exploratory for now but that he intends to move forward with a formal campaign if circumstances align.
As part of the effort, Bovino’s team launched the website Bovino2028.com, which prominently features imagery and messaging designed to emphasize his hardline approach to immigration enforcement. Among the images displayed is a photograph of Bovino wearing a coat that has generated controversy in recent months. Critics have compared the garment to attire associated with Nazi Germany, while Bovino has repeatedly stated that the coat was issued by the Border Patrol and has been in his possession for more than 25 years.
The debate over the coat intensified after photos circulated widely online amid growing scrutiny of federal immigration operations. Earlier this year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the garment as “SS garb” while speaking at the World Economic Forum.
The campaign website adopts a combative tone, featuring the slogan “House Bovino – Men Fight Back.” It also promotes what it calls a “bold national strategy,” praising Bovino’s leadership during immigration enforcement operations and portraying him as a figure committed to restoring national sovereignty and public order.
The prospect of a presidential run was first reported by The Daily Beast. In comments cited by the outlet, Bovino emphasized his commitment to deportation efforts, stating that if elected president he would personally participate in those operations and occasionally work on the front lines.
Since leaving government service, Bovino has become an outspoken critic of several officials within the Trump administration, despite sharing their broad support for aggressive immigration enforcement. Through social media and public comments, he has argued that current policies do not go far enough.
One of his most frequent targets has been Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Bovino accused Mullin of restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers assigned to the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey, where protests have resulted in confrontations between demonstrators and federal authorities.
Bovino specifically criticized Mullin for refusing to authorize the use of tear gas against protesters, a tactic that Bovino said was routinely employed during enforcement operations he oversaw in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Mullin dismissed the criticism when asked about it directly.
“I’ve never met the guy,” Mullin said. “He’s irrelevant to me. I don’t know who he is.”
Bovino’s departure from his leadership role came in January following the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. Following the incident, White House border czar Tom Homan assumed control of the operation.
Homan immediately signaled a different approach, stating that he was not interested in media appearances or publicity, which had often accompanied Bovino’s tenure. Bovino later criticized Homan as well, arguing that the administration had failed to respond forcefully enough after the death of Chicago college student Sheridan Gorman, who authorities allege was killed by a Venezuelan national living in the city.
His criticism has extended beyond immigration agencies. Bovino has also publicly attacked White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, accusing her of attempting to scale back mass deportation efforts.
Throughout his public commentary, Bovino has continued to advocate mass deportation as the central solution to border security concerns. He has also claimed that roughly 100 million immigrants are living illegally in the United States, a figure that exceeds estimates cited by other federal agencies.
As Bovino weighs a presidential campaign, his candidacy appears poised to center on the same immigration battles that defined his government career—issues that remain among the most contentious and politically charged debates in the country.
[READ MORE: GOP Senators Push Back After Pentagon Religious Policy Sparks Mormon Backlash]
