Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino Defends Pepper Balls In Chicago Crackdown; 2,700 Arrests In 'Operation Midway Blitz'

CBP’s Chief of Patrol Gregory Bovino defended agents’ use of pepper balls and other tactics during Chicago’s Operation Midway Blitz despite videos and filings suggesting potential violations of a judge’s order barring tear gas and pepper balls at protests. He said all force complied with CBP policy, reported to internal affairs, and that no agents have been disciplined. Bovino cited nearly 2,700 arrests since Sept. 6 and framed the mission as a deterrence model, rejecting Gov. Pritzker’s civil-rights concerns. He backed National Guard protection of facilities and said operations will continue until noncitizens self-deport or are arrested.