Illegal gangbanger placed bounty on top border official, Feds say

An illegal migrant gangbanger allegedly offered thousands of dollars to kill one of the top enforcers of the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

Federal law enforcement agents arrested Juan Espinoza Martinez, a criminal illegal migrant and member of the ruthless Latin Kings gang, on Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Martinez is accused of offering at least $10,000 to take down Commander at Large of the Border Patrol, Chief Gregory Bovino.

“Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez – who do not value human life and threaten law enforcement– do NOT belong in this country,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a public statement. “We will not allow criminal gangs to put hits on U.S. government officials and our law enforcement officers.”

“Thanks to ICE and our federal law enforcement partners, this thug is off our streets and behind bars,” McLaughlin continued.

ICE and law enforcement partners arrested Juan Espinoza-Martinez on October 6, 2025. DHS image.

A confidential source provided information to law enforcement on Friday that a “hit” had been placed on Bovino, according to DHS. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received a screenshot of a Snapchat conversation from a user named “Juan” who appeared to place a $2,000 reward for information on catching Bovino and a $10,000 bounty “if you take him down.”

ICE identified the user as Martinez and arrested him shortly afterward in Burr Ridge, Illinois, according to DHS. The Justice Department is prosecuting him for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official.

“These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must END. Secretary Noem has been crystal clear: If you threaten or lay a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” McLaughlin said.

Burr Ridge is a suburb of Chicago, which is currently under a tight immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz in September, an initiative targeting illegal migrants shielded by sanctuary laws passed in Chicago and Illinois.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have vehemently protested the operation, waging lawsuits and adding sanctuary policies in response to the crackdowns.

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