The trial of a Chicago man, accused of orchestrating a plot against a high-ranking Border Patrol official, commenced on Tuesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. The proceedings involve Juan Espinoza-Martinez, who faces charges related to allegedly placing a bounty on the life of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.

As the trial unfolds, both prosecution and defense attorneys are tasked with the critical process of jury selection, a key step in ensuring a fair trial. This case draws significant attention due to Bovino’s prominent role in “Operation Midway Blitz,” a notable campaign in the realm of border security.

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The allegations against Espinoza-Martinez came to light when the Department of Homeland Security was tipped off by a source who provided a screenshot of a Snapchat conversation. This image reportedly contained both Bovino’s photograph and details of the bounty, laying the groundwork for the current legal proceedings.

The trial is taking place as Bovino has been front and center of “Operation Midway Blitz.”

The Department of Homeland Security says it received a screenshot of a Snapchat conversation from a source with a picture of Bovino and the bounty information.

Prosecutors say Espinoza-Martinez offered a bounty of $10,000 for the murder of Bovino and $2,000 for information.

DHS says the letters “LK” were mentioned in the message, which they linked to the Latin Kings gang in Chicago.

Last week, a federal judge ruled prosecutors cannot present evidence claiming that Espinoza-Martinez is a gang member.

So that cannot be brought up during the trial.

DHS officials have been using this case as an example of the threats immigration officials are facing while carrying out operations.

Espinoza-Martinez is charged with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official.

Attorneys for Espinoza-Martinez have denied that he was ever a gang member or took part in a murder-for-hire-plot.