Border Patrol Chief Testifies in Protest-related Case
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, known for leading a military presence at MacArthur Park earlier this summer, was called to testify on Wednesday in a misdemeanor case involving alleged assaults on federal agents by protesters.
Bovino, who began his career in Los Angeles and is now associated with President Trump’s immigration initiatives in Chicago, recounted witnessing an incident involving Brayan Ramos Brito on June 7th in Paramount. He described seeing Ramos Brito pull his arm back and strike an agent in the chest during a confrontation outside the federal building, where tensions between federal law enforcement and local residents were already high due to discontent with immigration policies.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Cuauhtemoc Ortega brought up past inquiries related to Bovino’s comments about undocumented immigrants. Despite previous scrutiny, Bovino insisted that his remarks were aimed at specific criminal individuals rather than undocumented people in general. “It wasn’t about undocumented individuals,” he stated.
Ortega pointed out a document Bovino had signed that referred to “illegal aliens,” suggesting that Bovino’s language had been mischaracterized. “Isn’t it correct that you described illegal aliens as scum and trash?” he pressed. Bovino answered that while the report may imply that, he was referring specifically to certain criminals.
Ortega then noted that Bovino had been warned about the potential consequences of fraudulent statements, hinting at the gravity of the accusations against him.
More than 40 individuals have faced charges this summer for obstructing federal immigration enforcement amid protests. The case against Ramos Brito is part of this broader crackdown.
The protests in question began outside the Paramount Business Centre and included crowds opposing federal actions against immigrants. On June 7th, protesters, including Ramos Brito, gathered to voice their dissent.
Videos presented in court depicted a heated exchange between Ramos Brito and Agent Jonathan Morales, with Ramos Brito approaching Morales and making provocative remarks about his heritage. According to attorney Patrick Kibw, Ramos Brito’s actions crossed the line into violence by physically attacking Morales.
However, defense attorney M. Bo Griffith argued that Ramos Brito was the actual victim in this scenario. Evidence, including social media footage, showed Morales appearing to provoke Ramos Brito before any alleged attack occurred. Yet, no clear angle captured the supposed act of aggression.
Aside from Morales, three other Border Patrol agents testified, none witnessing Ramos Brito’s attack. Notably, the agents present did not have body cameras, which raises questions about the veracity of their accounts.
The confrontation escalated when Ramos Brito allegedly brushed off Agent Eduardo Mejorado’s hands placed on his shoulder, prompting Morales to intervene. According to court footage, Morales claimed he was compelled to step in as tensions rose, resulting in Morales pushing Ramos Brito back and receiving an aggressive response.
Cross-examination revealed inconsistencies in testimonies between agents, highlighting discrepancies in prior statements given to investigators. Earlier charges against another individual connected to Ramos Brito were dropped due to concerns over conflicting agent testimonies.
A Department of Homeland Security representative stated they couldn’t comment on an ongoing litigation matter regarding the case against Ramos Brito.
Ramos Brito reportedly sustained injuries during the incident, with his lawyer mentioning prior minor infractions—specifically a driving violation—as his only history with law enforcement.
This case could have significant ramifications for future immigration-related protests and charges. On the morning of the trial, Judge Stephen V. Wilson dismissed numerous potential jurors, many of whom were first or second-generation immigrants.
“I believe immigrants contribute to this country, and I identify with the accused,” remarked one potential juror, a landscape architect from Lancaster.
