Members of the mainstream media lost their cool during a press conference held by immigration officials at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Tuesday.
U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory K. Bovino was joined at the podium by Marcos Charles, Acting Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Both men delivered updates on Operation Metro Surge, which has led to the arrests of more than 3,000 criminal illegal aliens in the Twin Cities area since the beginning of December.
While Commander Bovino was replying to a question from the Daily Caller’s Jorge Ventura, reporters from mainstream outlets began shouting out of turn.
I asked @CMDROpAtLargeCA on his response to Brooklyn Park police chief’s claims that the department’s own officers while on off-duty are being asked to show citizenship to federal agents , according to the police chief his department is flooded with residents complaining another… pic.twitter.com/MGZlhhQiAD
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) January 20, 2026
After several outbursts, Bovino abruptly concluded the presser and walked out of the room.
Journalists erupted in outrage, with a representative of CNN even jumping out of his chair and approaching the podium before catching himself and sitting back down.
Following the press conference at the Whipple Federal building in Minneapolis, reporters became outraged that more questions weren’t taken. A CNN reporter even stands up and approaches the podium. pic.twitter.com/RfygdmDDch
— Wid Lyman (@Wid_Lyman) January 20, 2026
“Folks in Minneapolis want to know how much longer you are going to be here,” one reporter yelled at officials as they departed.
Prior to the meltdown, Bovino fielded several questions from journalists at less hostile outlets.
EXCLUSIVE: Border Hawk asked Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino about Minneapolis-area businesses banning federal immigration officers from entering — even as patrons
"Our Border Patrol agents, our ICE officers are citizens. They enjoy the rule of law just like everyone… pic.twitter.com/nm3gXicKVJ
— Border Hawk (@BorderHawkNews) January 21, 2026
Border Hawk asked Bovino about Minneapolis-area businesses banning federal immigration officers from entering — even as patrons.
“Our Border Patrol agents, our ICE officers are citizens. They enjoy the rule of law just like everyone else. To deny them a cup of coffee or lawful commerce seems to be absolutely opposite of what we would expect in a lawful, orderly society,” Bovino responded.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Minnesota and provide updates as they become available.
