Border Patrol Chief Grilled Over Alleged Court Order Violation During Protest Response
WASHINGTON D.C. – Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino has been ordered to explain his actions after allegations surfaced that he personally violated a court order restricting teh use of force against protesters at the U.S.-Mexico border. The legal challenge, brought by civil rights groups, centers on Bovino’s directives regarding the deployment of pepper ball launchers during a 2021 incident, raising concerns about excessive force and disregard for judicial oversight.
The case stems from protests against border policies and treatment of migrants. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs allege Bovino authorized tactics that directly contravened a prior court order limiting the Border Patrol’s use of less-lethal projectiles. Specifically, the complaint focuses on Bovino’s statements regarding firing positions and the responsibility of protesters to avoid being struck, which lawyers argue demonstrate a intentional intent to circumvent the court’s restrictions.
During questioning, Bovino reportedly stated, “It doesn’t matter where you fire from … that is a less lethal device for area saturation.” He further asserted, “If someone strays into a pepper ball, then that’s on them.Don’t protest and don’t trespass.” These comments, highlighted in court filings, are viewed by legal observers as a justification for potentially unlawful use of force.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially claimed that officers were responding to a “mob” that surrounded them and threw projectiles, including “commercial artillery shell fireworks.” However, lawyers representing the plaintiffs have refuted this claim, stating plainly, “The statement is a lie.”
The legal team argues that the Trump governance fostered a climate of impunity, eroding the “presumption of regularity” traditionally afforded to government officials. They contend that Bovino’s actions are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of a systemic disregard for legal constraints. The court is now considering whether to implement stricter measures to ensure compliance with future court orders,given the alleged pattern of behavior.
A document detailing the allegations is available here.
Filed Under: 1st amendment,border patrol,gregory bovino,mass deportation,protests,sara ellis,trump administration.
