In a significant development, a federal grand jury has indicted a purported Chicago gang leader, who is reportedly in the United States unlawfully, for allegedly plotting the assassination of a senior U.S. Border Patrol official. This indictment has brought to light the grave accusations against Juan Espinoza Martinez, aged 37.

Martinez faces charges for a murder-for-hire scheme, accused of placing a bounty on the life of Gregory Bovino, a top U.S. Border Patrol Chief. The indictment details how Martinez, a national of Mexico, allegedly leveraged technology, using an Apple smartphone and Snapchat, to orchestrate this sinister plot.

Identified as a suspected leader within the Latin Kings, a notorious gang, Martinez is charged with offering financial incentives for the killing of a federal immigration officer. His arrest took place on October 6, 2025, in Chicago, marking a significant move by federal authorities to clamp down on such threats.

Currently, Martinez remains in federal custody as the legal process unfolds, underscoring the seriousness of the charges levied against him.

He was arrested this week and remains in federal custody.

According to a criminal complaint, Martinez is a ranking member of the Latin Kings, a gang notorious for violent crimes and drug trafficking across Chicago and other cities. DHS said Martinez is from Mexico and entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date and time.

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.