Arrest Made in Alleged Threat Against Federal Officers
On Monday, federal agents apprehended a suspected leader of the Latin Kings in Chicago. This individual is accused of offering cash rewards for the capture and assassination of senior immigration officials involved in “Operation Midway Blitz.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has charged 37-year-old Juan Espinoza Martinez with murder, although the criminal complaint remains sealed for now.
Martinez allegedly advanced these bounties while posing as the commander of the U.S. Border Patrol. Following his arrest that morning, a court date for his initial appearance has yet to be set.
U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros described the supposed plot as “an attack on the rule of law.” He highlighted that placing a monetary value on the lives of law enforcement officers undermines public safety.
Martinez’s actions reportedly showcase a grave disregard for both human life and the safety of the public, according to Boutros. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago aims to hold him accountable for his alleged crimes, ensuring that federal officers feel secure in their duties.
As per the complaint, Martinez is connected to the Latin Kings, a gang known for its involvement in violent offenses and drug trafficking in Chicago. Authorities noted that he entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico at an unspecified time.
Martinez is said to have communicated his intentions through a Snapchat message that stated, “2k for info when you get him” and “10k if you drop him off.” Notably, he utilized the usernames “Sal” and “Juan” in these communications.
Included in this exchange was an image of a senior Border Patrol officer engaged in Chicago immigration enforcement as part of the aforementioned operation.
According to confidential sources, following a police-involved shooting with Border Patrol agents in the Brighton Park neighborhood on October 4, 2025, Martinez allegedly dispatched members of the Latin Kings to Kedzie to retaliate on October 39, 2025.
These members were reportedly instructed to obtain firearms and monitor the area around 26th Street and South Drake Avenue, believed to be Latin Kings turf.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on how this case showcases the Justice Department’s renewed commitment to tackling gang violence. He remarked that incentivizing violence against federal officers is a direct attack on the law and the safety of all Americans who rely on law enforcement.
This incident comes on the heels of a violent weekend in Chicago, which saw a series of shootings and confrontations involving law enforcement. On Saturday alone, federal agents made two arrests connected to incidents involving the ramming of a government vehicle, resulting in one suspect being shot and wounded.
In total, Chicago police reported 22 incidents over the weekend that left 29 individuals shot, with four fatalities.
