Chicago Man Cleared in Border Patrol Bounty Trial Now Faces Deportation

Juan Espinoza Martinez was acquitted of murder-for-hire charges but was immediately taken into immigration custody.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A Chicago carpenter named Juan Espinoza Martinez was cleared of accusations that he put a $10,000 bounty on the life of a Border Patrol commander. However, within 24 hours of his acquittal, he was taken into immigration custody and now faces deportation proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement, as well as concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdowns in the Chicago area. The acquittal also raises questions about the strength of the government's evidence in some of these high-profile cases.

The details

Espinoza Martinez, a 37-year-old married father of three, was accused of sending Snapchat messages to his brother and a friend, who turned out to be a government informant, that included a picture of a Border Patrol official and the message "10k if u take him down." However, a jury deliberated for less than four hours before acquitting him of the murder-for-hire charge. Despite the acquittal, Espinoza Martinez was immediately taken into immigration custody and now faces deportation proceedings.

  • Espinoza Martinez was arrested in October 2025.
  • He was acquitted of the murder-for-hire charge on January 27, 2026.
  • Within 24 hours of his acquittal, Espinoza Martinez was taken into immigration custody.

The players

Juan Espinoza Martinez

A 37-year-old Chicago carpenter who was cleared of accusations that he put a $10,000 bounty on the life of a Border Patrol commander, but was then taken into immigration custody and faces deportation proceedings.

Gregory Bovino

A Border Patrol official who has led aggressive crackdowns nationwide, including in the Chicago area, and was allegedly the target of the bounty plot.

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What they’re saying

“This verdict is a reminder that juries see through political prosecutions. They demand real evidence, not speculation and character assassination.”

— Jonathan Bedi and Dena Singer, Defense Attorneys

“We were very, very happy because we knew that he didn't do anything. But at the same time, it is a very bittersweet victory because he doesn't actually get to come home.”

— Bianca Hernandez, Espinoza Martinez's Wife (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Espinoza Martinez's immigration case will now proceed, with his attorneys fighting to prevent his deportation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement, as well as concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdowns in the Chicago area. The acquittal also raises questions about the strength of the government's evidence in some of these high-profile cases.