Judge rules Chicago man acquitted of murder-for-hire plot is being unlawfully detained

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A federal judge in Indiana has ruled that immigration officials are unlawfully detaining Juan Espinoza Martinez, a Chicago man who was recently acquitted of charges that he offered money for the killing of a Border Patrol commander. The judge ordered that Espinoza Martinez be granted a bond hearing by Wednesday to determine if he should be released pending his immigration proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice, immigration enforcement, and civil liberties. Espinoza Martinez's acquittal calls into question the initial claims made by federal authorities about his alleged gang ties and criminal history, raising concerns about due process and the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. legal system.

The details

Espinoza Martinez, a married father of three who has lived in Chicago for decades, was taken into ICE custody a day after being found not guilty of the murder-for-hire plot. The federal judge ruled that Espinoza Martinez was unlawfully denied a bond hearing, where factors like flight risk and danger to the community would be assessed to determine if he should be released. The judge ordered that a bond hearing be held by Wednesday, and if not, Espinoza Martinez must be released under supervision.

• On January 23, Espinoza Martinez was taken into ICE custody after being acquitted a day earlier.
• On February 7, the federal judge ordered that a bond hearing be held for Espinoza Martinez by February 9.

What’s next

Espinoza Martinez's removal case is set to go before an immigration judge on Thursday, February 9.