Chicago Gang Member Charged Over Bounty on Border Agent

Federal authorities arrested and charged Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, an alleged ranking member of the Latin Kings, with solicitation of murder-for-hire for allegedly placing a $10,000 bounty and offering $2,000 for information on U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who has participated in Operation Midway Blitz. According to a criminal complaint and undercover sources, Martinez sent Snapchat messages that included a photo of Bovino and agents say they have a screenshot of the solicitation. The alleged solicitations followed a Brighton Park incident in which authorities say an immigration agent shot a woman after vehicles reportedly tried to ram agents; investigators also allege Martinez directed gang members to that area and to arm themselves nearby. U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, among federal officials, condemned placing a bounty on a federal officer as an attack on the rule of law and vowed to hold Martinez accountable, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said some agents have been given additional security. Martinez was arrested Monday near Burr Ridge; he faces federal charges, a court appearance has not yet been set, and the investigation and related security measures are ongoing.