An illegal immigrant linked to violent gang activity reportedly set up a bounty to kill a prominent official enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
On Monday, agents from federal law enforcement took Juan Espinoza Martinez into custody. He’s a member of the notorious Latin Kings gang, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The authorities allege that he offered $10,000 to assassinate Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, a key figure in immigration enforcement.
“People like Juan Espinoza Martinez, who show no respect for life and threaten law enforcement, clearly don’t belong in the U.S.,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS. “We’re determined not to let criminal gangs put hits out on federal officials and police officers.”
McLaughlin also noted, “Thanks to ICE and our law enforcement allies, this individual is now behind bars and off the streets.”
The DHS revealed that a confidential source tipped off law enforcement about the hit placed on Bovino. They received a troubling Snapchat message from a user named ‘Juan’ claiming to offer $2,000 for information on locating Bovino, and a whopping $10,000 for taking him down.
ICE tracked down the user to be Martinez and arrested him shortly after in Burr Ridge, Illinois. He is facing charges from the Justice Department for this solicitation to commit murder against an esteemed law enforcement figure.
“These threats against our courageous law enforcement must come to an end. Secretary Noem has made it clear: Any violence towards police will be met with full legal action,” McLaughlin stated firmly.
Burr Ridge, a suburb of Chicago, is currently facing intense immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s new initiatives. In September, DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz, aimed at targeting undocumented migrants protected by sanctuary laws in Chicago and Illinois.
Local leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have strongly opposed these operations, pursuing legal action and implementing more sanctuary policies in response to the efforts to crack down on immigration.
