U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said federal immigration agents will remain deployed in Chicago "for years," posting a video on X of arrests set to LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out." The post and footage, which critics say mocked detainees, came amid months of protests against the federal operations. DHS reported that more than 100 protesters surrounded an ICE processing center in September, alleging assaults and at least three arrests, and said local police ignored multiple calls for help. Tensions between federal officers and the Chicago Police Department have continued, including an early-October incident where 27 officers were "affected" by chemical agents.
Border Patrol Commander Says Federal Agents Will Stay In Chicago “For Years” Amid Protests
U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said Tuesday that federal immigration enforcement officers will remain deployed in Chicago "for years," despite months of controversy and large public demonstrations opposing the operation.
Bovino posted on the social platform X a message that warned critics not to expect a withdrawal: "If you think we’re done with Chicago, you’d better check yourself before you wreck yourself." He added, "Don’t call it a comeback; we’re gonna be here for years."
The post included a video showing immigration officers chasing, tackling and arresting people, set to an overlay of LL Cool J's song "Mama Said Knock You Out." In the clip, one officer appeared to gesture through a hole in his pants in a way that some observers saw as mocking the arrests.
City Protests and DHS Statement
Many Chicago residents and activists have strongly opposed the federal immigration operations, staging mass demonstrations across the city. In September, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said more than 100 protesters "surrounded" an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center and accused some demonstrators of assaulting law enforcement, throwing tear gas canisters, slashing tires, blocking the building entrance and trespassing on private property. DHS reported at least three arrests and alleged that local police "refused" multiple calls for assistance.
Confrontations between federal agents and the Chicago Police Department have added to confusion about roles and responsibilities. Officials said that in early October, 27 Chicago police officers were "affected" by chemical agents that federal officers deployed during clashes with protesters.
Bovino’s response: "Don’t worry, Chicago, we will be here for YEARS! Despite calls for violence against our agents, the brave men and women of the United States Border Patrol have come together and developed serious plans to help Chicago rid their streets of criminal illegal aliens. We work for YOU."
The comments and the video have drawn fresh criticism from residents and civil liberties advocates who say the federal presence and messaging escalate tensions. Supporters of the deployment say it is a necessary step to address crime and enforce immigration laws.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Help us improve.
