Key Takeaways

• A deposition of former Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino shows deep tension and conflicting stories.
• Judge Sarah Ellis accused Bovino of dodging questions and making false statements.
• Department of Justice attorney Sarmad Khojasteh and attorney Locke Bowman sparred throughout the hearing.
• Bovino admitted he was “mistaken” about a rock hitting him before he used tear gas.
• The case links to a larger fight over deploying the National Guard in Chicago.

Inside the Shocking Bovino Deposition

A newly unveiled deposition transcript in Chicago has stirred up the immigration debate. It shows former Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino under fire from a federal judge. The judge accused him of “outright lying.” Meanwhile, attorneys for both sides continually picked fights over etiquette and evidence. This deposition adds fuel to a broader legal battle over federal raids and a possible National Guard deployment.

What the deposition reveals

During the deposition, Bovino faced intense questioning about federal immigration raids in Chicago. He often gave brief answers or sidestepped direct queries. At one point, U.S. District Judge Sarah Ellis chastised him for dodging vital questions. Then, she accused him of making false statements under oath. The transcript paints a picture of confusion and conflict among top Trump-era officials.

The tense courtroom clash

Right away, lawyers clashed over a simple handshake. Department of Justice attorney Sarmad Khojasteh said plaintiffs’ attorney Locke Bowman disrespected Bovino by not offering his hand. Bowman fired back, saying, “You don’t need to give speeches.” From there, the hearing heated up. For nearly seven hours, Bovino answered in short, sometimes evasive ways. He only offered longer explanations when he described violent mobs threatening agents.

Meanwhile, Khojasteh and Bowman kept interrupting each other. Khojasteh even called Bowman a “petulant old man.” In return, Bowman accused Khojasteh of showboating. The constant bickering slowed the deposition and frustrated Judge Ellis. She warned both sides to stick to the facts and avoid personal attacks.

Bovino’s tear gas claim falls apart

One of the most damaging parts of the deposition came when Bowman challenged Bovino’s account of using tear gas. Bovino had said he threw tear gas canisters because a protester hit him in the head with a white rock. Under more questioning, Bovino admitted he was “mistaken.” He explained he had deployed chemical munitions first, then saw the rock. He said, “I was mixed up with several other objects in a very chaotic environment.”

Bowman then showed Bovino a photo of the crowd. He asked if this was the “violent mob” Bovino described. Bovino replied, “I can’t tell exactly what’s happening from a picture. This is a snapshot in time.” That answer undermined his earlier claim that the group posed a clear, immediate threat. In this way, the deposition showed gaps between Bovino’s field reports and the facts on the ground.

Lawyers ignite bickering

Throughout the deposition, the two lawyers kept derailing the session. At one point, Bowman pressed Bovino about internal memos. Bovino said he had not read them. Khojasteh objected loudly to Bowman’s line of questioning. Then Bowman accused Khojasteh of hiding evidence. Their back-and-forth forced the judge to step in repeatedly.

Despite warnings, the fighting continued. Each side wanted to paint Bovino’s actions as either heroic or reckless. Bowman aimed to prove the agents acted without proper cause. Khojasteh defended their right to enforce immigration laws. Their arguments often felt like shouting matches rather than legal debates.

Bigger fight over National Guard

This deposition comes as the Trump administration fights to send the National Guard to Chicago. Agents want extra support during immigration raids. But local officials say federal law enforcement should stay out. The deposition helps shape that debate. If Bovino’s testimony appears unreliable, judges may block further raids or Guard deployments.

At the same time, a New York Times report says the Department of Justice’s filing to the Supreme Court contains errors and false claims about protesters. This adds another layer to the legal drama. Both sides will use the deposition transcript to argue their case. The decision could affect how and when officers enter homes or public spaces to enforce immigration rules.

Conclusion

The newly revealed deposition of Greg Bovino exposes confusion, sharp conflicts, and possible false statements. Judge Sarah Ellis’s harsh words show how seriously the court views any deception. As the case moves forward, this transcript will play a key role. It may decide whether the administration can continue federal raids and deploy the National Guard in a major U.S. city.

FAQs

Why did Judge Ellis accuse Bovino of lying?

Judge Ellis reviewed the deposition transcript and found Bovino gave conflicting statements and avoided direct answers. She felt his testimony didn’t match the evidence.

What sparked the argument over a handshake?

At the start of the deposition, DOJ attorney Sarmad Khojasteh said the plaintiffs’ lawyer wouldn’t shake Bovino’s hand. That led to insults and set a combative tone for the rest of the hearing.

How did Bovino admit he was wrong about the rock?

Under detailed questioning, Bovino conceded he mixed up the order of events. He said he deployed tear gas first and only later saw a rock thrown at him.

What does this deposition mean for the National Guard?

If judges view Bovino’s testimony as unreliable, they may block further immigration raids. That decision could also prevent the National Guard from supporting agents in Chicago.