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

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.

In​ a letter ⁤to acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller,‍ the ‌lawmakers shared allegations from a ‍whistleblower, claiming that Mr. Bovino’s new assignment lacks a clear purpose and timeline. They also suggested ‍that this reassignment tactic is commonly used by CBP officials to⁣ pressure‌ employees into leaving the agency.

Furthermore, the lawmakers cited additional whistleblower allegations that Mr. Bovino may have faced verbal reprimands from headquarters officials due to unsatisfactory written testimony prepared for the hearing.

Seeking answers, 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 the‌ White House​ 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 matter.

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 mentioned that Mr. Bovino had ‌previously been reassigned to a headquarters position in 2021, and his subordinates had performed exceptionally well in managing the El‌ Centro border sector during his absence.