An alleged leader of a Chicago gang, accused of plotting to murder a top U.S. Border Patrol officer, has been formally charged by a federal grand jury. The suspect, who is reportedly living in the country without legal permission, faces serious allegations.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, age 37, stands accused of murder for hire, allegedly targeting U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino. Prosecutors claim Martinez put a price on the head of the commander, who holds a significant position within the agency.
The indictment reveals that Martinez, a national of Mexico, “deliberately utilized interstate communication means, specifically an Apple Model 16 mobile phone and Snapchat, with the intention of orchestrating a murder.”
According to authorities, Juan Espinoza Martinez, believed to be a leader within the Latin Kings gang, attempted to incentivize the killing of a federal immigration officer by offering monetary rewards. His arrest took place in Chicago on October 6, 2025, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Currently, Martinez is detained and awaiting further legal proceedings under federal custody.
The criminal complaint details Martinez’s involvement as a prominent figure in the Latin Kings, a gang notorious for its violent acts and drug operations throughout Chicago and beyond. The Department of Homeland Security reports that Martinez is originally from Mexico and entered the United States illegally, although the specifics of his entry remain unclear.
He allegedly sent messages via Snapchat that read, “2k on information when you get him” and “10k if you take him down,” the complaint states.
In the exchange, Martinez used the handle “monkeys—” and the name “Juan,” federal prosecutors said. The message included a photo of a senior Border Patrol officer involved in immigration enforcement operations in Chicago as part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s “Operation Midway Blitz.”
A Snapchat message allegedly sent by Juan Espinoza Martinez offering cash bounties to capture and kill a federal immigration officer. Martinez, accused of leading the murder-for-hire plot, was arraigned on Oct. 6, 2025, in federal court in Chicago. (Department of Justice)
Martinez’s lawyer, Jonathan Bedi, said last week that his client was a longtime Chicago resident and father of three who was innocent of the charge against him.
“Juan has resided in the United States for 30 years, and throughout his time in Chicago, he has had no prior criminal history or gang affiliation,” Bedi said. “As a dedicated union member, Juan has consistently worked to provide for his family while contributing positively to the community; he even coaches his kids’ sports teams.”
“Juan is innocent of these charges. Juan, his family and supporters remain steadfast in their confidence in his innocence and his character as a hardworking, law-abiding member of society,” he added.
