Alleged Latin Kings Member Charged in Murder-For-Hire Plot Against Border Patrol Chief
Chicago, IL — Federal authorities announced on Monday that Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, has been arrested and charged in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official currently operating in Chicago. The unsealed criminal complaint accuses Martinez of offering bounties for both information and violence. Department of Justice+2ABC7 Chicago+2
Details of the Allegation
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) (murder for hire). Department of Justice
The complaint states Martinez, identified as a ranking member of the Latin Kings street gang, sent messages via Snapchat offering $2,000 for information (“when you get him”) and $10,000 “if you take him down”. The messages included a photo of the target, believed to be Chief Bovino. Department of Justice+2ABC7 Chicago+2
Martinez was arrested in Burr Ridge, Illinois, on October 6, brought into custody by agents from multiple federal agencies. ABC7 Chicago+2FOX 32 Chicago+2
Investigators say a confidential source forwarded a screenshot of the messages to law enforcement, sparking the investigation. Department of Justice+1
Government Reactions and Statements
Senior Justice Department officials criticized the alleged plot as an assault on law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the act “an attack on every American who depends on law enforcement.” Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros stated that the defendant’s conduct shows “profound contempt for human life and public safety.” Department of Justice
On the Department of Homeland Security front, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the alleged bounty, asserting that threats against federal agents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. She also echoed remarks from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who has warned publicly of “unprecedented” risks to immigration and border enforcement personnel from gangs and other criminal organizations. ABC7 Chicago+2FOX 32 Chicago+2
Legal and Investigative Context
The criminal complaint includes an affidavit from a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent establishing probable cause. The affidavit outlines Martinez’s alleged role, links to gang hierarchy, and statements to a confidential source (SOI-1). Department of Justice
The complaint notes Martinez allegedly instructed other Latin Kings associates to acquire firearms and deploy them in certain Chicago neighborhoods following a recent law enforcement incident. Department of Justice
Prosecutors emphasize that a complaint is not proof of guilt. Martinez, as with any defendant, is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court. Department of Justice
Broader Implications and Next Steps
Chief Bovino has been centrally involved in Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration enforcement effort in Chicago. The timing of the plot’s revelation has heightened scrutiny on law enforcement risk in cities where federal and local jurisdictions intersect. ABC7 Chicago+1
Legal observers will be monitoring how courts handle the evidentiary challenges, including authentication of digital messages, establishing gang command structure, and proving Martinez’s intent.
Martinez’s initial federal court appearance has taken place, and he remains in custody pending further proceedings. Department of Justice+2ABC7 Chicago+2
The case could become a landmark in defining consequences for threats against federal law enforcement officers, especially in contexts involving gang violence, immigration enforcement, and organized crime.
