Federal agents on Monday intercepted a Chicago gang leader who they claim was hiring for the assassination of a senior official in the U.S. Border Patrol, interfering with the gang’s illicit activities.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, a leading figure in the Latin Kings, was arrested as part of “Operation Midway Blitz” after allegedly offering cash bounties to any individuals who could carry out the murder of a top official in the Border Patrol, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified the official being targeted as Commander at Large of the U.S. Border Patrol, Chief Gregory Bovino.
U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros called the alleged plot “an attack on the rule of law.”
“Putting a price on the life of a law enforcement officer is an attack on the rule of law,” Boutros said. “The defendant’s actions in this case demonstrate a profound contempt for human life and public safety. Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will hold defendants accountable for their grave criminal actions and ensure that no federal officer has to fear for their life for doing their job.”
According to an indictment unsealed on Monday, Martinez is one of the highest sergeants in the Latin Kings, a nationwide gang that’s been linked to bloody murders of police officers, extortion, and human and drug trafficking. DHS said Martinez is from Mexico and entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date.
Messages allegedly sent by Martinez over Snapchat stated “2k on information when you get him” and “10k if you take him down.”
