Latino Gang Member Arrested in Alleged Conspiracy to Assassinate Border Patrol Chief
Chicago, IL — Federal authorities announced the arrest and charging of Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, in connection with a murder-for-hire scheme aimed at Gregory Bovino, a senior official with the U.S. Border Patrol currently working in Chicago. The unsealed criminal complaint alleges that Martinez, identified as a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings gang, used Snapchat to offer bounties related to violence against Chief Bovino.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Martinez is charged under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1958(a), which addresses murder-for-hire offenses. The complaint reveals that Martinez sent messages promising $2,000 for information on Bovino’s whereabouts and $10,000 “if you take him down,” alongside a photograph believed to be of Bovino himself. Martinez was apprehended on October 6 at his home in Burr Ridge, Illinois, following an investigation triggered by a confidential source who provided law enforcement with screenshots of Martinez’s threatening messages. Agents from multiple federal agencies coordinated the arrest.
Senior Justice Department officials condemned the alleged plot, describing it as an attack on law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the alleged scheme “an attack on every American who depends on law enforcement to maintain safety.” U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros condemned Martinez’s actions, highlighting the “profound contempt for human life and public safety” reflected in the charges. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin also denounced the alleged bounty, emphasizing the department’s commitment to prosecuting threats against federal agents to the fullest extent of the law. Her remarks echoed warnings from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about “unprecedented” risks faced by immigration and border enforcement personnel due to gang violence and organized crime.
The complaint includes an affidavit from a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent that details Martinez’s role in the Latin Kings’ hierarchy and outlines communications with a confidential source, referred to as SOI-1. The affidavit also alleges that Martinez instructed other gang members to acquire firearms and prepare to use them in specific Chicago neighborhoods following a recent law enforcement incident, illustrating the ongoing tensions between gangs and police in the city.
Martinez has made his initial federal court appearance and remains in custody pending further proceedings. Prosecutors stress that these charges are allegations, and Martinez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Chief Bovino has played a key role in Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration enforcement initiative in Chicago targeting criminal activity. The revelation of this murder-for-hire plot has intensified public concern about the dangers faced by law enforcement officers working at the intersection of federal and local jurisdictions. Legal experts will closely watch the case as it proceeds, particularly the challenges in authenticating digital evidence, proving gang command structures, and establishing Martinez’s intent.
This case could set important precedents regarding the prosecution of threats against federal law enforcement, especially in the context of gang violence and immigration enforcement. It also highlights the broader challenges of maintaining public safety amid complex criminal networks operating within urban areas.