The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday the arrest of a Latin Kings gang member in Illinois for allegedly placing a substantial bounty on the life of Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol, Chief Gregory Bovino.
The individual, identified as Juan Espinoza Martinez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on October 6, 2025, in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
The investigation began after a confidential source provided information on October 3, 2025, indicating that a “hit” had been placed on Chief Bovino by a member of the Latin Kings Street Gang.
HSI Chicago subsequently received a screenshot of a Snapchat conversation allegedly from a user named “Juan.” The conversation appeared to place a $2,000 bounty for information on Chief Bovino “cuando lo agarren,” which translates to “when they catch him,” and a $10,000 reward “if you take him down.” A third response, “LK….on him,” reportedly indicated the involvement of the Latin Kings street gang.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, who reportedly entered the country at an unknown date and time, is now facing federal prosecution by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official.
“Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez – who do not value human life and threaten law enforcement – do NOT belong in this country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “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. These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must END.”
McLaughlin added, “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.”
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