Mayor Daniel Biss confronted Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino during a Title 8 immigration enforcement operation in Evanston that drew about two dozen protesters and an 11-vehicle federal convoy. Video shows Biss denouncing alleged abuse, racism and violence while Bovino said agents were there to improve public safety and called it an "excellent day." Local police assisted with crowd control to keep federal vehicles moving. The incident underscores mounting tensions between federal immigration enforcement and leaders of Democratic-led communities.
“Don’t Come Back”: Evanston Mayor Confronts Border Patrol Commander During Tense Title 8 Operation
Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, left, is confronted by Evanston, Ill., Mayor Daniel Biss, as immigration agents stop at a gas station while on patrol Wednesday in the city.
Wednesday morning in Evanston, Illinois, Mayor Daniel Biss confronted Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino during a street-level Title 8 immigration enforcement operation that drew roughly two dozen protesters and a large federal convoy.
What Happened
The encounter took place around 11:30 a.m. near Green Bay Road and Dodge Avenue, on the city’s northern edge of Chicago, where an 11-vehicle Border Patrol convoy arrived to detain multiple people. An eyewitness, Mark Weyermuller, said agents "appeared to detain at least two" individuals as a crowd gathered.
The Confrontation
Video shared by FOX 32 Chicago reporter Paris Schutz shows Mayor Biss, wearing a dark coat and dress shoes, stepping from the bundled-up crowd to speak directly to Commander Bovino while protesters blew whistles and shouted. Biss accused agents of abuse and racism, saying,
"The abuse has not been acceptable. The racism has not been acceptable. The violence has not been acceptable."
Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, left, speaks with Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss Wednesday during an immigration operation in Evanston, Ill.
Surrounded by agents in tactical gear and protective masks, Bovino responded,
"Yeah, that’s why we’re here in your community."Nearby protesters repeatedly shouted, "Hey Bovino, we don’t want you here, bro! We don’t want you!"
Crowd Control And Aftermath
As tensions rose, several protesters attempted to block the roadway. Evanston and Chicago police assisted with crowd control and kept a traffic corridor open so federal vehicles could exit the scene safely. Bovino later described the operation as productive, saying agents were in Evanston "to make his city a safer place through Title 8 immigration enforcement" and calling it an "excellent day in Evanston."
Context
Title 8 is the federal statutory framework governing immigration enforcement and allows agents to carry out operations away from the border when pursuing investigations or specific individuals. Wednesday’s confrontation is one of several recent clashes highlighting tensions between federal immigration enforcement agencies and leaders in many Democratic-run communities.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Biss’ office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment. Eyewitness accounts, video from the scene, and statements from both the mayor and the Border Patrol commander form the basis of this report.
