Morning Brief: Minneapolis Command Shift, DHS Shutdown Risk, China’s Military Purge, Pentagon Updates Counter-Drone Guidance

Border Patrol leadership to withdraw from Minneapolis following enforcement backlash

Senior federal immigration leadership is preparing to leave Minneapolis following weeks of scrutiny over enforcement operations and two fatal shootings involving federal agents. U.S. Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Gregory Bovino is expected to return to his previous post overseeing operations in El Centro, California, according to reporting citing Department of Homeland Security officials. Bovino had been deployed to Minneapolis as part of a large federal enforcement surge and became a central figure in the administration’s immigration posture in the region.

The leadership shift follows the January 24 fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti during an encounter with federal agents, as well as an earlier fatal shooting involving another protester earlier this month. Both incidents sparked public protests, calls for investigations, and heightened political scrutiny of federal operations in the city. Bovino’s role placed him at the center of coordination between Border Patrol, ICE, and other federal agencies operating under expanded authorities.

DHS officials have pushed back on characterizations of the move as a demotion, stating that Bovino remains a senior figure within the administration’s border enforcement strategy. A DHS spokesperson said the reassignment reflects operational adjustments rather than disciplinary action. President Donald Trump has named former ICE acting director Tom Homan as the new federal lead for Minnesota operations, signaling a shift in command as some agents begin drawing down from the city.

Federal authorities have not announced whether agents involved in the shootings have been placed on administrative duty or whether formal reviews have been completed. Minneapolis officials have criticized the lack of coordination with local law enforcement during federal operations, while DHS has defended its enforcement posture as lawful and necessary. Investigations into both shootings remain ongoing.

DHS funding dispute raises risk of partial government shutdown

Congress is approaching a January 30 funding deadline with negotiations stalled over a Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, raising the prospect of a partial government shutdown. Senate Democrats have warned they will withhold support for the $64.4 billion DHS funding measure unless it is revised, citing concerns over immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota following recent fatal shootings involving federal agents.

Democrats have pushed to remove DHS funding from a broader six-bill appropriations package that would fund defense, transportation, education, health, and housing programs. Senate Republican leadership has resisted that move, arguing that DHS funding supports a wide range of functions unrelated to immigration enforcement, including disaster response, cybersecurity, border infrastructure, and Coast Guard operations.

If Congress fails to pass the remaining appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, nonessential federal operations would be suspended and federal employees furloughed. Essential services such as national security operations, border enforcement, air traffic control, and law enforcement would continue, though many employees would work without pay until funding is restored.

Agencies have begun preparing shutdown contingency plans, and a lapse in funding could delay the release of economic data and disrupt federal contracting. While financial markets have shown limited reaction so far, lawmakers from both parties have acknowledged uncertainty over whether a deal can be reached before the deadline. Negotiations are ongoing behind closed doors, with no agreement announced as of Monday.

China investigates senior generals in latest military purge

China has placed some of its most senior military leaders under investigation, continuing a sweeping purge within the People’s Liberation Army. The defence ministry announced that General Zhang Youxia, vice-chair of the Central Military Commission, and General Liu Zhenli, chief of the Joint Staff Department, are being investigated for “serious violations of discipline and law.” No further details were provided, and state media did not specify the alleged offenses.

Zhang was among the highest-ranking active officers in the PLA and a long-time associate of President Xi Jinping. His removal follows earlier investigations that sidelined multiple senior defense officials, significantly reducing the size of China’s top military decision-making body. Only a small number of senior officers remain active on the commission alongside Xi, who serves as its chairman.