Chicago Man Cleared in Border Patrol Bounty Trial Now Faces Immigration Proceedings

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

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:39am

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A 37-year-old Chicago carpenter named Juan Espinoza Martinez was acquitted of a murder-for-hire plot targeting a Border Patrol commander last week. However, within 24 hours of his acquittal, he was taken into immigration custody and now faces deportation proceedings, according to his defense attorneys.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and criminal justice in the U.S., with the government pursuing aggressive crackdowns on undocumented immigrants even after they are cleared of criminal charges. It also raises questions about the Trump administration's narratives around immigration enforcement and the high number of dismissed cases stemming from the Chicago-area operation.

The details

Espinoza Martinez was accused of sending Snapchat messages to his brother and a friend, who turned out to be a government informant, offering a $10,000 bounty to 'take down' a Border Patrol official named Gregory Bovino. Prosecutors also claimed Espinoza Martinez was a 'ranking' member of the Latin Kings street gang, but this claim was quickly dismissed by the judge. Defense attorneys argued the government engaged in 'character assassination' and that the jury saw through the 'political prosecution' and lack of real evidence.

  • Espinoza Martinez was arrested in October 2025.
  • He was acquitted of the murder-for-hire charge on January 28, 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 born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. as a child. He was previously a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) but was unable to reapply in 2020 due to financial hardship.

Gregory Bovino

A Border Patrol official who has led aggressive crackdowns on immigration in the Chicago area and nationwide.

Jonathan Bedi and Dena Singer

The defense attorneys for Espinoza Martinez who argued the government engaged in 'character assassination' and a 'political prosecution' against their client.

Bianca Hernandez

Espinoza Martinez's wife, who expressed happiness that he was acquitted but also bitterness that he does not get to come home due to the immigration proceedings.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary who dismissed the jury's acquittal verdict, stating that 'Espinoza targeted federal law enforcement with violence via Snapchat.'

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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)

“This verdict does not change the facts: Espinoza targeted federal law enforcement with violence via Snapchat.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary

What’s next

The judge in Espinoza Martinez's immigration case will decide whether he will be deported or allowed to remain in the U.S.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between criminal justice and immigration enforcement, with the government pursuing deportation even after a jury acquitted Espinoza Martinez of criminal charges. It raises questions about the Trump administration's narratives around immigration crackdowns and the high number of dismissed cases stemming from the Chicago-area operation.