Top US Border Patrol official to be stripped of command after deadly Minneapolis shooting

He will now return to his previous post in El Centro, California, where he is expected to retire in the near future, according to The Atlantic.

The abrupt move marks the clearest indication yet that the Trump administration may be reassessing its aggressive immigration enforcement approach.

Over the past seven months, Mr Bovino had served as the public face of the immigration crackdown focused on Democrat-run cities.

The DHS created his “commander at large” role specifically, placing him outside the standard Border Patrol chain of command.

Accompanied by masked agents and his own camera crew, Mr Bovino oversaw operations in Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans and, ultimately, Minneapolis.

He built a substantial following among supporters of Donald Trump on social media, frequently clashing online with Democrat politicians and critics.

Officials within ICE and Customs and Border Protection are said to have grown increasingly alarmed by Mr Bovino’s overtly political stance.

Mr Pretti, an intensive care nurse who treated veterans, was armed with a handgun and filming federal officers on a Minneapolis street when the incident occurred.

Authorities initially claimed he was resisting attempts to disarm him when he was shot.

However, video footage appears to contradict the claims, showing that the 37-year-old did not draw his weapon during the encounter.

One agent is seen taking a handgun from him moments before another shot him in the back.

Tom Homan, the former ICE chief serving as Mr Trump’s designated “border czar”, has been dispatched to Minnesota to take control of federal operations in the state.

“I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there," the President wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He added: "Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me."

The President said he had spoken with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Monday.

He noted that he and Mr Walz now appeared to be on a "similar wavelength".

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski, who championed Mr Bovino’s appointment, may also face dismissal, according to two sources familiar with internal discussions.

However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted Ms Noem continues to hold the President’s “utmost confidence and trust”.

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