During a street-level immigration enforcement operation on March 6, 2024, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss confronted Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, leading to a tense exchange amid protests in Evanston, Illinois. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Green Bay Road and Dodge Avenue, where a convoy of eleven Border Patrol vehicles was deployed to detain individuals as part of a Title 8 immigration enforcement operation.
The operation attracted a crowd of approximately two dozen protesters who accused federal agents of racism and violence. Eyewitnesses reported that Border Patrol agents appeared to detain at least two people, escalating tensions in the area. Video footage from the scene, shared through social media platforms, captures Biss stepping forward to confront Bovino amid a noisy protest, stating, “The abuse has not been acceptable. The racism has not been acceptable. The violence has not been acceptable.”
Protests Escalate Amid Federal Enforcement
Cmdr. Bovino, flanked by agents in tactical gear, responded to Biss’s allegations, asserting, “Yeah, that’s why we’re here in your community.” The confrontation intensified as protesters shouted against the federal presence. A nearby protester repeatedly called out, “Hey Bovino, we don’t want you here, bro! We don’t want you!”
As the situation escalated, local police from both Evanston and Chicago intervened to manage the crowd and ensure that vehicles could exit the area safely. The protest showcased the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local government leaders, particularly in Democratic-run regions.
Biss, who is running for Congress as a pragmatic progressive, later took to social media to amplify his criticisms. He described Bovino’s agents as a “violent mob” and asserted that Evanston remains safe “in spite of ICE/CBP, not because of it.” He praised local residents for their efforts to challenge the federal presence and concluded his remarks with a clear message: “Don’t come back.”
Border Patrol’s Response and Community Concerns
Cmdr. Bovino countered Biss’s claims, stating that the Border Patrol’s mission in Evanston aimed to enhance community safety through lawful enforcement. He characterized the day’s events as productive and dismissed Biss’s comments as divisive rhetoric, adding that it was an “excellent day in Evanston.”
The ongoing operations are part of a broader federal initiative that includes Title 8 enforcement, which allows immigration agents to conduct operations far from the border to investigate or target specific individuals. This approach has drawn criticism from local leaders and immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that such actions create fear within communities.
As the confrontation unfolded, the presence of federal agents and the local police response highlighted the complexities of immigration enforcement amid rising tensions in urban areas. The encounter between Mayor Biss and Cmdr. Bovino illustrates the ongoing debate over immigration policies and their impact on community dynamics.
Fox News Digital reached out to both Biss’s office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further comments on the incident. However, the exchange underscores a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration enforcement, local governance, and community safety.
