Federal law enforcement officials believe that a criminal organization in Mexico is behind a bounty program that offers hefty cash rewards for killing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The value of these rewards reportedly varies based on the agent’s rank and actions.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that the program would provide $2,000 for intelligence gathering and the collection of personal information, such as photos and family details. In contrast, rewards for kidnapping or non-lethal assaults on regular immigration officers range from $5,000 to $10,000, while the reward for assassinating a senior official could reach up to $50,000.
In a post on X, DHS emphasized that, “Under President [Donald], all criminals, terrorists, and illegal aliens will face American justice.” This statement followed reports from the Washington Examiner indicating that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had recently dismantled a Chicago gang involved in a plot to offer up to $50,000 for the murder of a senior ICE official.
Reports suggest that gang members in Chicago’s Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods have been keeping armed “guards” on rooftops to observe law enforcement movements. The DEA has indicated that communications among gang members are being conducted via radio.
On October 6, federal agents in Chicago arrested an alleged leader of the Latin Kings after he reportedly offered a bounty to capture or kill senior immigration officials involved in a recent enforcement operation against individuals seeking refuge under the city’s sanctuary policies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has charged 37-year-old Juan Espinoza Martinez with murder. DHS has identified his target as Chief Gregory Bovino, the senior commander of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin expressed strong sentiments against individuals like Martinez, saying, “Those who threaten law enforcement and show no regard for human life have no place in this country.” She added that the department will not tolerate attacks against U.S. officials.
In related news, Fox News Digital reported previously on two undocumented immigrants arrested in Illinois for allegedly trying to ram a vehicle into an ICE officer. This was part of a broader operation led by ICE and the Border Patrol, which has already apprehended over 1,000 undocumented individuals in the state.
Launched on September 8, Operation Midway Blitz aims to target the “worst of the worst” in areas like Chicago, in honor of Katie Abraham, who tragically lost her life in a drunk-driving incident involving an illegal immigrant earlier this year.
As of now, both DHS and the Mexican embassy have not responded to inquiries for comment.
