A late-night Senate remark is turning into a full-blown political flashpoint.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing sharp backlash after saying “nobody respects” Border Patrol and ICE during a heated debate over a Department of Homeland Security funding package.
The comment came as Schumer opposed a Republican push to fund DHS and bring an end to the government shutdown.
“America is crying out for relief from high costs, and you’re here adding $140 billion to an agency that nobody — two groups — Border Patrol and ICE, that nobody respects in this country,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.
The remark quickly drew a forceful response from Gregory Bovino, a retired Border Patrol chief who led large-scale interior enforcement operations during his three-decade career.
Bovino told Breitbart News he was stunned to hear the statement, calling it emblematic of broader political attitudes toward immigration enforcement.
“Schumer encapsulates the left and aligns perfectly with the radicals that we have watched assaulting our federal agents daily as they try to enforce the laws that Congress has passed,” Bovino said. “He’s no different than the rioter throwing a brick at us, and he let everyone know that with this statement.”
Bovino, who retired in March after serving as chief patrol agent in the El Centro Sector, said he had never seen such sustained opposition to law enforcement from a major political party.
“Sadly, this sentiment is not just carried by Chuck Schumer. He is the party leader and speaks for nearly every Democrat,” he added.
The fallout extended beyond individual criticism.
The National Border Patrol Council, which represents rank-and-file agents, issued a public rebuke on social media, defending agents and condemning the remark.
“Let’s be clear. The problem isn’t the agents on the line—it’s politicians like Schumer who tear them down,” the group said.
Bovino also warned that rhetoric from national leaders could have real-world consequences, arguing that such statements may embolden hostility toward federal agents already operating in high-risk environments.
“Chuck Schumer’s words resonate with radicals on the street who are looking for approval to increase attacks on the men and women of the Border Patrol and ICE,” he said.
More over at Breitbart News:
Exclusive: Former Border Chief @GregoryKBovino Slams @SenSchumer Over Derogatory Border Patrol-ICE Comments | Article by @RandyClarkBBTX https://t.co/fvRTJob6Si
— Bob Price 🇺🇲 🇮🇱 (@BobPriceBBTX) April 24, 2026
