Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the arrest of Juan Espinoza Martinez, a member of the Latin Kings gang, in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Espinoza Martinez is accused of placing a bounty on U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
According to DHS, on October 3, 2025, a confidential source provided information that a "hit" had been placed on Chief Bovino by a member of the Latin Kings Street Gang. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified Espinoza Martinez as the individual responsible for soliciting the attack.
HSI Chicago received a screenshot from Snapchat showing an offer of $2,000 for information about when Chief Bovino would be caught and $10,000 "if you take him down." The conversation also included "LK….on him," referencing the Latin Kings' involvement.
Espinoza Martinez was arrested on October 6, 2025. The Department of Justice is prosecuting him for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez – who do not value human life and threaten law enforcement– do NOT belong in this country. 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. 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.”
Authorities reported that Espinoza Martinez is from Mexico and entered the United States at an unknown date and time.
