A notorious member of the Latin Kings gang, who is also an illegal immigrant, has been apprehended after allegedly placing a $10,000 bounty on a senior U.S. Border Patrol official's life.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made this announcement following the arrest of Juan Espinoza Martinez in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Martinez, a Mexican national, is accused of attempting to orchestrate the assassination of Chief Gregory Bovino, a high-ranking Border Patrol official, via social media platforms.
As reported by Newsmax, the plot was uncovered when a confidential informant tipped off authorities that Martinez had used Snapchat to solicit a hit on Bovino. The evidence, captured in screenshots, revealed a chilling proposition: a $2,000 reward for "cuando lo agarren" translated as "when they catch him" and a $10,000 bounty for "if you take him down."
The conversation also contained the phrase "LK ... on him," a clear reference to the infamous Latin Kings street gang.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago swiftly tracked down Martinez and apprehended him before his plot could progress further. He now faces federal charges for soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement officer. "This thug is off our streets and behind bars," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin declared in a statement.
She further emphasized the government's stance against such criminal activities, stating, "We will not allow criminal gangs to put hits on U.S. government officials."
McLaughlin also reiterated Secretary Kristi Noem's firm position on the matter: "If you threaten or lay a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Authorities confirmed that Martinez entered the U.S. illegally at an unspecified date and time.
His criminal affiliations, coupled with the assassination plot, underscore the persistent threat posed by illegal immigrant gang members nationwide.
Chief Bovino, a seasoned Border Patrol official, has led significant operations against human smuggling, cartel cartels, and border violence. The DHS emphasized that threats against top officials underscore the high stakes in the battle to secure America's borders. The Department of Justice is currently prosecuting Martinez, who faces a lengthy federal prison sentence if convicted.
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin expressed her disdain for individuals like Martinez, stating, "Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez who do not value human life and threaten law enforcement do NOT belong in this country." She ended her statement with a call to action, declaring, "These attacks must END."
The arrest of Martinez and the subsequent investigation highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in their efforts to secure the nation's borders. The case serves as a stark reminder of the threats posed by illegal immigrants with criminal affiliations, reinforcing the need for stringent border control measures.
As the authorities continue their relentless pursuit of justice, the message is clear: threats against law enforcement will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the full force of the law.
Login