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1h ago

Latin Kings Figure Charged With Murder-for-Hire Plot Targeting Border Patrol Commander

A federal complaint cites Snapchat bounties posted after a Brighton Park shooting.

Gregory Bovino, a U.S. Border Patrol official, stands with other federal agents near the Newberry Library in Chicago’s Gold Coast on Sept. 28, 2025, after walking through downtown as part of an immigration blitz show of force. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Federal agents arrested Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, in Chicago on Monday after prosecutors filed a murder-for-hire complaint.
  • DHS and law-enforcement sources identified the intended target as Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, a leader of Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago.
  • The complaint quotes Snapchat posts offering $2,000 for information and $10,000 “if u take him down,” alongside Bovino’s photo.
  • Investigators say subscriber data, a CashApp-linked phone number, and surveillance of a truck registered to Martinez tied him to the messages.
  • Prosecutors say the solicitation followed an Oct. 4 Brighton Park shooting involving Border Patrol, and DOJ leaders publicly condemned the alleged plot; an initial court appearance has not yet been set.