California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino for his defense of the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents. Pretti, 37, was shot on a Minneapolis street on Saturday while reportedly filming the agents. Bovino claimed during a CNN interview that Pretti was “impeding and assaulting” law enforcement at the time of the incident.
Newsom’s response came swiftly, as he took to social media to label Bovino as “Gestapo Greg,” a reference to the notorious secret police of Nazi Germany. The governor condemned Bovino’s assertion that filming federal agents constituted an assault, stating, “Gestapo Greg says filming ICE agents with your cell phone is assault and justifies them shooting you in cold blood.”
In the interview, CNN anchor Dana Bash challenged Bovino’s narrative, emphasizing that filming law enforcement is legal in the United States. Despite this, Bovino maintained that “de-escalation techniques” had failed during the encounter. Newsom labeled the agents involved in Pretti’s death as having acted “absolutely unacceptable,” asserting, “They shot an American in cold blood!”
Criticism of Border Patrol Tactics
Bovino’s comments have drawn significant backlash, particularly as they come in the wake of a similar incident where an ICE agent killed another individual, Renee Good, just weeks earlier. Newsom has previously criticized the aggressive tactics employed by the Trump administration’s deportation operations, suggesting they evoke the methods used by the Gestapo.
While speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Newsom commented on the behavior of Border Patrol agents, likening their actions to fascism and authoritarianism. He remarked, “People disappearing, literally no due process,” highlighting concerns over the treatment of individuals during deportation operations.
Newsom also took issue with Bovino’s style of dress, suggesting that his long, black trench coat resembled that of Nazi officers. He stated, “If you think the calls of fascism and authoritarianism are hyperbole, pause and watch this video. They aren’t even trying to hide who they are,” referring to a promotional video released by the Department of Homeland Security featuring Bovino.
The governor’s remarks reflect a broader criticism of the current administration’s immigration policies. Newsom’s administration continues to advocate for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement, arguing that the current tactics are a threat to civil rights.
As the situation develops, questions remain regarding the accountability of the agents involved in the shooting. Reports indicate that they are still on duty and not on administrative leave, which has further fueled calls for transparency and justice in this controversial case.
The Daily Beast has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the incident and the ongoing criticisms from state officials.
