San Diego, February 1, 2026
San Diego labor unions have condemned the reassignment of Gregory Bovino, a controversial Border Patrol official, to El Centro. Bovino’s past involvement in the death of a Mexican national and accusations of evidence mishandling have raised significant concerns among local residents and labor groups about the implications of his return on community relations and immigration enforcement in the area.
San Diego Labor Unions Condemn Reassignment of Controversial Border Official
San Diego, California – In the past 48 hours, San Diego labor unions have strongly criticized the reassignment of a controversial Border Patrol official to El Centro, a city in California’s Imperial Valley. The official, Gregory Bovino, previously served as the chief of the San Diego Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). His return to El Centro has raised concerns among labor groups and local residents.
Background on Gregory Bovino
Gregory Bovino has a history of involvement in contentious incidents during his tenure with CBP. Notably, he was implicated in the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas, a Mexican national who died after being beaten and tased by Border Patrol agents. Allegations against Bovino include mishandling evidence and obstructing investigations related to the incident. Although the Justice Department declined to press charges, a wrongful-death lawsuit was settled for $1 million in 2017. In April 2025, a San Diego law firm petitioned federal authorities to investigate Bovino for potential violations of the Ethics in Government Act concerning his post-CBP employment activities and use of official subpoena power during the Hernández Rojas case.
Reassignment to El Centro
El Centro, located in the Imperial Valley, is a predominantly agricultural community. The reassignment of Bovino to this region has been met with apprehension by local residents and labor unions. The community is concerned about the potential impact of his return on local relations and the enforcement of immigration policies in the area.
Labor Unions’ Response
San Diego labor unions have expressed strong opposition to Bovino’s reassignment. They argue that his controversial past and the nature of his previous actions are incompatible with the values and interests of the local workforce. The unions are calling for a reassessment of the decision and are advocating for leadership that aligns with the community’s standards and expectations.
Implications for the Community
The reassignment of a high-profile Border Patrol official to El Centro has broader implications for the community. It raises questions about the selection and placement of individuals in positions of authority within federal agencies and the potential impact of such decisions on local communities. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the reassignment processes of federal officials.
Conclusion
The recent reassignment of Gregory Bovino to El Centro has sparked significant concern among San Diego labor unions and local residents. The community is seeking clarity and reassurances regarding the implications of this decision and its potential impact on local relations and the enforcement of immigration policies in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the controversy surrounding Gregory Bovino?
Gregory Bovino has been implicated in the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas, a Mexican national who died after being beaten and tased by Border Patrol agents. Allegations against Bovino include mishandling evidence and obstructing investigations related to the incident. Although the Justice Department declined to press charges, a wrongful-death lawsuit was settled for $1 million in 2017. In April 2025, a San Diego law firm petitioned federal authorities to investigate Bovino for potential violations of the Ethics in Government Act concerning his post-CBP employment activities and use of official subpoena power during the Hernández Rojas case.
Why are San Diego labor unions opposing Bovino’s reassignment?
San Diego labor unions have expressed strong opposition to Bovino’s reassignment, arguing that his controversial past and the nature of his previous actions are incompatible with the values and interests of the local workforce. The unions are calling for a reassessment of the decision and are advocating for leadership that aligns with the community’s standards and expectations.
What is the community’s reaction to Bovino’s return to El Centro?
El Centro, located in the Imperial Valley, is a predominantly agricultural community. The reassignment of Bovino to this region has been met with apprehension by local residents and labor unions. The community is concerned about the potential impact of his return on local relations and the enforcement of immigration policies in the area.
What are the broader implications of this reassignment?
The reassignment of a high-profile Border Patrol official to El Centro raises questions about the selection and placement of individuals in positions of authority within federal agencies and the potential impact of such decisions on local communities. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the reassignment processes of federal officials.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject | Reassignment of Gregory Bovino to El Centro |
| Controversy | Involvement in the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas |
| Community Reaction | Apprehension among El Centro residents and labor unions |
| Labor Unions’ Stance | Opposition to Bovino’s reassignment due to past actions |
| Broader Implications | Questions about federal official reassignment processes and community impact |
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