Border Patrol Chief removed after testifying before Congress, sparking retaliation fears: House GOP.

House Republican Leaders‍ Suspect Retaliation Against Border Patrol Chief

House Republican leaders have raised concerns that ‍a Border Patrol ⁤chief may have faced retaliation from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)​ chief after providing testimony to Congress.

Gregory K. ⁢Bovino, the chief patrol agent of the El Centro Border Patrol sector in California’s imperial ‌valley, recently participated in a transcribed interview ​with the House Oversight Committee and House Homeland Security Committee. However, shortly⁤ after ‌his‌ testimony, Mr.⁢ Bovino ‌was unexpectedly relieved of his command and reassigned to an ambiguous and temporary headquarters position.

The timing of this reassignment has raised suspicions among Republican lawmakers that it was a direct‍ response ⁤to Mr. Bovino’s testimony.

Whistleblower Allegations and Request for Answers

In a letter addressed to acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller, the lawmakers shared ​allegations from⁤ a whistleblower regarding Mr. Bovino’s new assignment. The whistleblower claims ⁣that the assignment lacks a clear mission, purpose, or timeline for completion.

The lawmakers also highlighted additional whistleblower allegations‌ suggesting that Mr. Bovino may have faced verbal reprimands from headquarters officials due to dissatisfactory written ‍testimony prepared⁣ for the hearing.

Seeking transparency⁢ and accountability, the Republican lawmakers have called on the acting CBP commissioner to provide all‌ relevant documents and‍ communications related to Mr. Bovino’s employment. They​ have​ also‍ requested records of any discussions ⁢between CBP, the Department of Homeland Security, or White House officials regarding Mr. Bovino’s past congressional testimony‌ or appearances as a witness for transcribed interviews.

The lawmakers have set ⁣a⁣ deadline of July 28 for ‍Mr. Miller ‌to be prepared ⁢to brief House committee staff on this issue.

CBP’s Response

NTD News reached out to CBP for comment, but the agency did not respond at the time of publishing this article.

According to a statement obtained by The Washington⁢ Times, CBP stated that Mr. Bovino had previously⁢ been reassigned to a headquarters position in 2021, and his⁤ subordinates had performed admirably in handling the ⁢El Centro‌ border sector during his absence.