Federal law enforcement officials have arrested a suspected gang member accused of orchestrating a violent plot against a senior U.S. Border Patrol official, according to an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Juan Espinoza Martinez, is an illegal immigrant with alleged ties to the Latin Kings street gang and was taken into custody in Illinois after investigators uncovered evidence that he had placed a bounty on the life of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
The case began when a confidential source alerted federal officials that an individual associated with the Latin Kings had ordered a “hit” on the Border Patrol leader. Homeland Security Investigations, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, launched an immediate inquiry to assess the threat and identify those involved.
Investigators traced the plot to social media communications, including a message exchange that allegedly offered cash payments in exchange for information on the chief’s location and additional money for carrying out an attack. According to DHS, one message proposed a payment for identifying the target, followed by a much larger reward if harm was inflicted.
Additional language in the messages referenced gang involvement, further reinforcing concerns that the threat was credible. After confirming the suspect’s identity, federal agents moved quickly to locate and arrest him. Espinoza Martinez was apprehended without incident in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
The Department of Justice has since charged him with soliciting the murder of a senior federal law enforcement official, a felony offense that carries severe penalties if proven in court.
Homeland Security officials emphasized that threats against law enforcement—particularly those involving organized criminal groups—will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
“Individuals who threaten or target our officers demonstrate a complete disregard for the rule of law,” a DHS spokesperson said. “We will not allow criminal gangs to intimidate or endanger those charged with protecting this country.”
Officials credited close coordination between ICE, DHS intelligence units, and federal prosecutors for disrupting the alleged plot before it could escalate into violence.
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of immigration and border enforcement personnel. Federal officials have acknowledged an increase in direct threats against officers, some of which have been linked to gang activity, cartel networks, and extremist groups hostile to immigration enforcement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently confirmed that multiple federal officers have been targeted through online threats and attempted intimidation campaigns, including bounties placed on their lives.
“When criminals believe they can openly threaten federal officers, that is a line that cannot be crossed,” Noem said during a recent interview. “Anyone who does so will face the full force of federal law.”
Law enforcement leaders stressed that the incident would not deter ongoing border and immigration operations, adding that federal agencies remain committed to protecting their personnel and enforcing the law.
“This arrest sends a clear message,” one senior official said. “Threatening our officers will only result in swift arrest and serious charges.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects or related charges. Prosecutors are expected to seek strict pretrial conditions due to the severity of the allegations and the potential risk to public safety.
For now, officials say the case stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by federal officers—and of the government’s willingness to act decisively when those officers are threatened.