Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino encountered a group of protesters at a Speedway gas station on Portland Avenue in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The incident occurred during ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the area, amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement.
Footage shared by independent journalist Cam Higby shows approximately 20-30 protesters surrounding Bovino and members of his team as they attempted to enter the store. One protester dumped a bag of chips on Bovino's head and shoulders. The crowd used air horns, shouted slogans including "F*cking Nazi," and engaged in minor physical clashes with the agents. ICE personnel responded by displaying peace signs from their vehicles while the convoy was followed for roughly two hours.
At the gas station, the store clerk denied service to Bovino and his team. The clerk stated, "We don’t support ICE, and nobody here does," and added, "I DON’T CARE IF IT IS" when asked if denying service was illegal. The clerk then told the group, "Don’t come back either. Bye."
The events unfolded as part of broader unrest tied to ICE's Operation Metro Surge, which has involved arrests of individuals described by federal officials as priorities for removal. Protesters have described the operations as targeting nonwhite communities, a claim federal authorities have denied. The demonstrations have included efforts to support migrants, such as volunteer grocery deliveries to avoid risks associated with leaving home.
Bovino, who has led aspects of the enforcement efforts, has previously described operations as "legal, ethical, and moral." He has noted challenges including vandalism to vehicles associated with agents and has characterized some protesters as "well-organized" but less aggressive than in other cities.
The incident has drawn attention amid related legal developments. A federal appeals court recently issued a temporary stay on restrictions regarding ICE agents' use of force against protesters in Minnesota, allowing continued use of less-lethal measures like pepper balls and tear gas for self-protection. Reports have documented instances of thrown objects toward agents in prior encounters.
No formal charges have been reported in connection with the gas station confrontation or the food-throwing incident as of this reporting. Federal investigations into potential connections between state officials and encouragement of unrest continue, including reviews involving Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, though no direct links to this specific event have been alleged.
Bovino's office and ICE have not issued a detailed statement on the Wednesday incident. The commander has emphasized the need for agent safety during operations.
Footage of the events, including the chip-dumping and gas station denial, was posted on social media platforms by Higby on Wednesday. One video caption noted multiple minor clashes and the prolonged convoy follow. Another captured the clerk's statements.
