WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a tense briefing today, January 23, 2026, the nation’s top immigration enforcement leaders shifted their focus from border statistics to the growing “climate of interference” in the American interior. U.S. Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino and ICE Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles used the platform to issue a blistering critique of ongoing protests, labeling them a direct threat to public safety and law enforcement operations.
The news conference, held amidst the backdrop of “Operation Metro Surge,” highlighted a sharp divide between federal agencies and the local communities where they are currently conducting mass enforcement actions.
Protests Labeled as “Obstruction”
Commander Bovino, who has become the face of federal operations in high-conflict zones like Minneapolis, spent much of the morning addressing the “unprecedented” level of pushback agents are facing. He reported that over the last week, federal vehicles have been damaged, and officers have been “violently and aggressively” assaulted by what he termed “anarchists and agitators.”
“We are seeing a coordinated effort to interfere with lawful Title 8 enforcement,” Bovino stated. “When local leaders and protesters encourage people to obstruct our officers, they aren’t just making a political statement—they are making the streets more dangerous for everyone. Our officers remain professional and focused, but we will not be intimidated by those who choose to stand in the way of the law.”
The ICE and Border Patrol chiefs expressed particular concern over “rapid response networks” that use whistles and social media to swarm enforcement sites. Bovino noted that these tactics have led to dangerous standoffs at schools, businesses, and private residences.
Focus on the “Worst of the Worst”
To counter the narrative of “random sweeps,” ICE leader Marcos Charles provided a grim list of “bad actors” apprehended during recent operations. He emphasized that the primary mission of the current surge is the removal of the “worst of the worst”—individuals with extensive criminal rap sheets.
Among the specific cases highlighted today:
- Convicted Rapists and Child Predators: Charles noted the arrest of several individuals previously convicted of first-degree rape of a child and indecent liberties with minors.
- Violent Gang Members: Apprehensions of members from MS-13, Paisas, and the Tren de Aragua gang were touted as major victories for community safety.
- Homicide Suspects: Officials confirmed the capture of a Venezuelan national in Dallas wanted for questioning in a foreign homicide, as well as several individuals in the Northeast with prior convictions for attempted murder and assault.
“While protesters are out there chanting, our agents are taking murderers and rapists off the streets,” Charles said. “The public needs to understand who we are actually targeting. Seventy percent of our recent arrests are individuals already charged with or convicted of serious crimes in the U.S.”
Tensions with Local Leadership
The chiefs did not mince words regarding local “sanctuary” politicians. Bovino specifically criticized mayors and police chiefs who have instructed residents to call 911 when federal agents are spotted. He claimed this practice has “overwhelmed” emergency systems with “superfluous calls,” hindering local police from responding to actual crimes.
The briefing occurred as reports surfaced regarding the detention of a five-year-old boy in Minnesota—a case that has fueled the very protests the chiefs decried. While officials defended the detention as a “safety measure” after the child’s father allegedly fled, the incident has become a rallying cry for activists who argue that federal tactics have crossed a moral and legal line.
As the news conference concluded, both Bovino and Charles reaffirmed that “Operation Metro Surge” would continue “unabated,” despite the legal challenges and civil unrest currently gripping major U.S. cities.
Sources
- KARE 11: Border Patrol and ICE Officials Press Conference Update
- ICE Newsroom: ICE Arrests Worst of the Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens
- Bring Me The News: Border Chief Gregory Bovino Rejects Criticism of Crackdown
- DHS: ICE Arrests Pedophiles, Domestic Abusers, and Drug Traffickers
- Star Tribune: ICE Says it has Arrested 10,000 ‘Criminal Illegal Aliens’ in MN
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