DHS: Arrest after alleged bounty on Border Patrol chief
Arrest
DHS says HSI arrested Juan Espinoza Martinez on Oct. 6 in Burr Ridge,
Illinois, after a confidential tip on Oct. 3 that a “hit” had been ordered against U.S.
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
Evidence
Investigators received a Snapchat screenshot from
“Juan” offering $2,000 for information “cuando lo agarren” and $10,000 “if you take him down,”
plus a message reading “LK….on him,” indicating Latin Kings involvement.
Charges & response
The DOJ charged Martinez with soliciting the murder of a senior federal law enforcement official.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez…do NOT belong in this country.”
Broader threat
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned gangs, cartels and others have placed bounties—
“$2,000 to kidnap them, $10,000 to kill them”—calling the targeting of federal agents “unprecedented.”
