FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Outlines Priorities, Addresses Criticisms
In a comprehensive update shared Saturday, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino detailed the bureau’s current operations, emphasizing its commitment to combating crime, safeguarding children, and addressing public concerns surrounding several high-profile investigations. Bongino’s statement, posted on social media platform X, aimed to clarify the FBI’s focus and counter what he described as misleading media coverage of its work.
Bongino highlighted the FBI’s dedication to removing dangerous illegal aliens who prey on American citizens. He asserted that the bureau has been working diligently on task force operations to apprehend and incarcerate individuals who have entered the country illegally and committed crimes.
"The workforce has been working overtime on task force operations to remove dangerous illegal aliens from the country," Bongino wrote. "The work continues. If you came here illegally to prey on our citizens, your days here are numbered."
He emphasized that these operations are still in their initial stages and are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Bongino further stated that these removal and incarceration efforts, coupled with the current administration’s efforts to secure the border, will significantly impact the nation’s crime landscape.
Bongino also underscored the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from predators. He highlighted a new initiative called "Operation Restoring Justice," which has resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of numerous child predators across the country.
"Crimes against children are a priority for the workforce," he stated. "Operation ‘Restoring Justice,’ where we locked up child predators and 764 subjects, in every part of the country, is just the beginning. We are going to take your freedom if you take away a child’s innocence."
Bongino assured the public that the FBI would continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute individuals who target children, warning them to reconsider their actions.
In addition to these operational priorities, Bongino addressed the FBI’s efforts to respond to inquiries from Congress and the public regarding several high-profile cases. These included the attack on Rep. Steve Scalise, the Nashville school shooting, the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, and the origins of COVID-19.
He acknowledged the public’s interest in these cases and assured them that the FBI is committed to providing information and answers as appropriate.
Bongino also addressed the ongoing work with the Department of Justice in the Jeffrey Epstein case. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the case, particularly the vast amount of downloaded child sexual abuse material involved.
"There are voluminous amounts of downloaded child sexual abuse material that we are dealing with," he wrote. "There are also victims’ statements that are entitled to specific protections. We need to do this correctly, but I do understand the public’s desire to get the information out there."
Bongino emphasized the need to handle the case with care, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected while also addressing the public’s desire for transparency.
In a strong defense of FBI Director Patel, Bongino refuted what he described as false stories being spread by some in the media. He asserted that Patel is fully dedicated to his role and works tirelessly to lead the bureau.
"He spends anywhere between 10 to 12 hours in the office attending meetings with everyone from foreign heads of law enforcement to our counter-terror teams," Bongino wrote. "Any assertion otherwise is a verifiable lie designed to stop our reforms and fracture your trust. I will die on this hill. You are being clearly lied to by people with an agenda, and it’s not your agenda."
Bongino accused those spreading false information of having an agenda to undermine the FBI’s reforms and erode public trust. He passionately defended Patel’s leadership and urged the public to be wary of such misinformation.
Bongino concluded his update by thanking the public for its attention and encouraging Americans to continue monitoring the FBI’s progress.
"God bless America, and all those who defend Her," he wrote.
Dan Bongino’s law enforcement career began with the New York Police Department in 1995. He later joined the United States Secret Service in 1999, serving on the elite Presidential Protective Division for presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. After leaving government service, Bongino pursued a career in politics and media. He ran for office as a Republican in Maryland and Florida and hosted a Saturday night show on Fox News Channel from 2021 to 2023. He is the author of several books, including "Life Inside the Bubble," a memoir about his time in the Secret Service.
The FBI has not yet responded to requests for further comment regarding Bongino’s statement.
