Gregory Bovino, a former commander with the U.S. Border Patrol, has initiated an exploratory effort for a potential 2028 presidential campaign, outlining a policy platform centered on stringent border security, mass deportations, and a robust approach to national sovereignty. Bovino, who retired in March after nearly three decades of service, was a notable figure associated with President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
"My one and only priority is deporting the 106 million illegals who are here. That’s it." — Gregory Bovino, Former Border Patrol Commander
Since his departure from federal service, Bovino has maintained a vocal stance on immigration policy, advocating for intensified border controls and expanded deportation operations. The exploratory phase includes a newly established website that details his prospective campaign vision, which promotes national sovereignty, strict border enforcement, and what he terms a "warrior mindset" in governance.
The "Why We Need a Bovino Presidency" section of his website articulates several key proposals. These include a complete closure of the nation's borders, a permanent halt to immigration, immediate deportations of individuals described as "illegal aliens," and the implementation of an "illegal remigration fee." The platform also suggests the creation of a federal office dedicated to addressing justice for American women reportedly harmed by "illegal aliens."
Beyond immigration, Bovino's platform extends to broader governmental and societal reforms. It proposes the establishment of a Department of Traditional Families & Holistic Living and a Department of Youth Masculinity. Additionally, it calls for expanded community safety committees and a restructured government accountability office designed to identify and eliminate corruption. The platform also advocates for a citizen-led initiative aimed at fostering debates and educational forums focused on Western values and American cultural identity. Other outlined ideas include broadening Narcan distribution to law enforcement, schools, and first responders, imposing tougher penalties for animal cruelty, and strengthening partnerships with countries facing similar immigration challenges. The platform also suggests an expedited acceptance process for immigrants from nations it deems culturally aligned with the United States.
Bovino’s exploratory move follows several months of public advocacy since leaving government. He has consistently pressed for large-scale deportation operations and stricter enforcement, arguing that more decisive action is necessary to address illegal immigration. In previous comments reported by The Daily Beast, Bovino stated, "If I were President, I’d lead that effort from the front and be on the front lines from time to time."
Reacting to reports of his political exploration, Bovino posted on X, "My one and only priority is deporting the 106 million illegals who are here. That’s it." He further suggested that grassroots support indicates public backing for mass deportations is stronger than polling data reflects, concluding that "all options are on the table" if a presidential run is required to achieve his objectives. Bovino has also voiced criticism of officials he believes are not acting sufficiently aggressively on immigration enforcement, naming border czar Tom Homan, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. In response, Secretary Mullin stated, as reported by NewsNation, "I’ve never met the guy … he’s irrelevant to me. I don’t know who he is."
The potential campaign has also drawn scrutiny regarding imagery featured on Bovino’s website. A photograph of him wearing a Border Patrol-issued coat has drawn comparisons from critics to "SS garb." California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) was among those who expressed concerns. Bovino has dismissed these comparisons, asserting that the coat has been part of his uniform for over 25 years.
Questions surrounding Bovino's tenure with Border Patrol resurfaced after he was removed from his commander-at-large role following a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis that resulted in fatal shootings. President Trump later described Bovino as "a pretty out there kind of a guy," adding, "And in some cases, that’s good. Maybe it wasn’t good here." Whether Bovino will ultimately enter the 2028 presidential race remains unconfirmed, but his exploratory committee signifies a more formal step toward a potential campaign heavily focused on immigration, border security, and national sovereignty.
