Former U.S. Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino indicated Monday he is open to a White House bid in 2028, responding to reports that he is testing the waters for a presidential campaign. In an interview with NewsNation, The Hill's cable partner, Bovino described his potential run as exploratory, adding that a formal campaign would launch “if it all comes together.”
Bovino, who oversaw federal immigration operations in Minnesota, retired in March following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in separate incidents in Minneapolis. Those deaths sparked widespread protests and national scrutiny.
On social platform X, Bovino wrote: “Here’s the truth: My one and only priority is deporting the 106 million illegals who are here. That’s it. The grassroots support I’m seeing tells me the polls are completely wrong… If I’m getting this much energy, it’s probably because 90% of the country wants mass deportations and the media just isn’t asking the right questions.”
He added that his mission is to “liberate America from this invasion and restore our quality of life.” The post concluded: “If running for President is what it takes to actually get it done, then all options are on the table. House Bovino. Men fight back,” and directed followers to Bovino2028.com.
The website features a logo using Bovino’s CNN photo from October, where he appears in a green trench coat. Text reads “House Bovino” and “Men Fight Back,” with a subtitle: “Bovino knows what America needs – America’s men.” The site also lists campaign “founders,” policy items, and promises upcoming merchandise.
Bovino’s coat has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who compared it to “SS garb,” referring to Nazi uniforms. Newsom shared a Department of Homeland Security video on X that briefly shows Bovino in the coat, writing: “If you think the calls of fascism and authoritarianism are hyperbole pause and watch this video. They aren’t even trying to hide who they are.”
In a January interview on NewsNation’s “On Balance with Leland Vittert,” Bovino defended the coat as “Border Patrol issued,” saying he bought it in 1999 and wore it during the Biden administration without complaint. “Fast forward a few years to this administration, all of a sudden it’s a problem,” he said. “Hey, what changed there? Why is it a problem now than it was during the last administration?”
The former commander’s potential candidacy adds a hardline immigration voice to the 2028 Republican field, echoing themes from the Trump era. His focus on mass deportations aligns with ongoing GOP debates over border security and funding, as seen in recent legislative battles like the Thune-backed $72B border bill that stalled amid partisan disputes.
Bovino’s exploratory committee, which he launched earlier this year, has already drawn attention for its confrontational rhetoric and visual branding. The green coat, once a routine uniform item, has become a symbol of the cultural and political divide over immigration enforcement. As the 2028 cycle begins to take shape, Bovino’s message of uncompromising deportation and male empowerment is likely to resonate with a segment of the GOP base.
