An illegal immigrant arrested for plotting to kill a Border Patrol chief has been taken into custody in Illinois after federal investigators uncovered a chilling assassination plot tied to the Latin Kings gang.
Illinois — Federal authorities have arrested an illegal immigrant with alleged gang ties accused of organizing a murder plot against a senior U.S. Border Patrol official, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The suspect, Juan Espinoza Martinez, is believed to be affiliated with the violent Latin Kings street gang and was taken into custody in Burr Ridge, Illinois, after investigators uncovered evidence that he placed a bounty on the life of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
Homeland Security officials say Martinez used social media communications to offer cash payments for information about Bovino’s location and an even larger reward for carrying out a violent attack.
Illegal Immigrant Arrested for Plotting to Kill Border Patrol Chief in Illinois
The investigation began when a confidential informant alerted federal authorities that a Latin Kings gang associate had ordered a “hit” on a high-ranking Border Patrol official.
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — the investigative arm of ICE — immediately launched an operation to assess the threat.
According to DHS, agents identified multiple online messages in which Martinez allegedly:
Offered money for tracking Chief Bovino’s movements
Proposed a larger cash reward for physically harming or killing him
Used language indicating gang involvement and coordination
Officials say the content of the messages made the threat credible and imminent.
Arrest Made Before Violence Could Occur
After confirming Martinez’s identity and location, federal agents moved quickly and arrested him without incident in suburban Chicago.
Authorities say the rapid response likely prevented a serious act of violence against a senior federal law enforcement officer.
DOJ Files Major Federal Charges
The Department of Justice has charged Martinez with:
Solicitation of the murder of a senior federal law enforcement official
This is a serious felony that carries extreme prison sentences if convicted.
Prosecutors are expected to seek strict pretrial detention, citing public safety concerns and the organized nature of the alleged plot.
DHS: Attacks on Law Enforcement Will Not Be Tolerated
A DHS spokesperson said the case sends a clear warning:
“Individuals who threaten our officers show complete contempt for the rule of law. Criminal gangs will not be allowed to intimidate those protecting this country.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently confirmed that federal officers are facing a growing number of threats, including online harassment campaigns and bounties placed by criminal networks.
“When criminals believe they can openly threaten federal officers, that is a line that cannot be crossed,” Noem said.
Growing Threats Against Border and Immigration Officers
Federal officials acknowledge a sharp rise in direct threats against Border Patrol and ICE personnel. Some cases have been linked to:
Street gangs
Cartel-connected networks
Extremist groups hostile to U.S. immigration enforcement
The arrest highlights increasing concerns over the safety of federal officers operating in today’s high-tension immigration environment.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Authorities say the investigation remains active and have not ruled out:
Additional suspects
Further charges
Broader gang involvement
Federal agencies emphasized that border and immigration enforcement operations will continue without interruption.
A Clear Warning to Criminal Networks
One senior law enforcement official summarized the message:
“Threatening our officers will only result in swift arrest and serious charges.”
The case stands as a powerful reminder that the U.S. government will act decisively to protect those charged with enforcing the law.