Former Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino has recently ventured into the world of spirits with his new bourbon brand, “Commander’s Choice.” Launched on a website that prominently features the slogan “in tribute to the battle-hardened agents and law enforcement officers who held the line,” the bourbon retails for $99 per bottle.
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Bovino, who held his position during a controversial period of anti-immigration operations, officially retired in March of this year. His tenure included a notably aggressive approach in high-profile cases, such as incidents in Minneapolis and Los Angeles. Following his retirement, he has pivoted to the entrepreneurial realm, promoting his bourbon with a strong link to his former career, including a tagline urging “Deport Them All.”
In a bold statement on his website, Bovino pays homage to his former colleagues in law enforcement, describing their efforts as part of “the nation’s largest interior immigration campaign in history.” He expressed respect for their commitment and actions during challenging times, stating, “This bottle salutes your exceptionalism.” This dedication hints at a sense of fidelity to the controversial practices that marked his tenure.
The concept for Commander’s Choice reportedly emerged while Bovino was actively engaged in Trump’s stricter immigration policies. He mentioned that social gatherings with officers often included whisky, which led to the suggestion of creating a “Border Patrol whiskey.” Such gatherings took place at the end of strenuous days filled with significant pressure from various protests and public scrutiny.
Bovino’s reputation was shaped by ongoing protests related to violent events during his leadership, including high-profile shootings involving federal agents. His remarks surrounding these incidents generated significant backlash, particularly his defence of the agents’ actions in the wake of widespread calls for accountability. Critics suggest that his approach contributed to the perception of excessive force, raising questions about law enforcement practices during that time.
Throughout his time in Minneapolis, Bovino faced substantial criticism for his actions. During protests, he was seen marching alongside officers, an appearance that drew unfavourable comparisons to totalitarian regimes. Bovino vehemently objected to this imagery, asserting that such comparisons were damaging and misrepresentative of law enforcement’s mission.
After retiring from the Border Patrol, Bovino made serious allegations against some Trump administration officials, suggesting that they wished him harm. In an interview, he claimed that a reduction in his security detail was a deliberate attempt to leave him vulnerable. The White House and the Department of Homeland Security later refuted these claims, reiterating that security provisions are legally linked to an individual’s active service.
The launch of Commander’s Choice seems to mark a further development in Bovino’s branding efforts as he continues to leverage his law enforcement background while stepping into the role of a distiller. The whiskey is packaged with strong themes of loyalty and toughness, designed to resonate with a segment of the population that supports strict immigration measures.
With a background steeped in polarising views on immigration policy, Bovino’s new venture invites attention not only for its product but also for its implications on ongoing discussions about law enforcement and national policies. As he introduces Commander’s Choice to the market, Bovino aims to create a legacy that intertwines with his controversial past while stepping into a new phase of his life.