Immigration Judge Denies Bond for Chicago Man Acquitted in Bovino Murder-for-Hire Plot

Juan Espinoza Martinez remains in custody pending deportation to Mexico despite being found not guilty in federal court.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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An immigration judge has denied bond to Juan Espinoza Martinez, a Chicago man who was recently acquitted of charges that he offered money to have Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino killed. Espinoza Martinez, who is not a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after his acquittal and transferred to a jail in Indiana. Despite a federal judge's order for a bond hearing, the immigration judge ruled that Espinoza Martinez must remain in custody pending deportation to Mexico.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of the criminal justice system and immigration enforcement, where individuals can face continued detention even after being acquitted of criminal charges. It raises questions about due process and the treatment of non-citizens in the U.S. legal system.

The details

Espinoza Martinez was charged in October 2025 with offering money to a government informant to kidnap and kill Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who was known for aggressive immigration enforcement operations. However, the claims that Espinoza Martinez was a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings gang were not supported by evidence at trial, and he was ultimately acquitted by a federal jury. Despite this, Espinoza Martinez was taken into ICE custody and denied bond, which a federal judge later ruled was unlawful. At the subsequent bond hearing, the immigration judge decided Espinoza Martinez should remain in custody pending deportation.

  • On January 22, 2026, a federal jury acquitted Espinoza Martinez of the murder-for-hire charges.
  • On January 23, 2026, Espinoza Martinez was taken into ICE custody and transferred to a jail in Indiana.
  • On February 5, 2026, a federal judge ruled that Espinoza Martinez had been unlawfully denied a bond hearing.
  • On February 11, 2026, the immigration judge denied Espinoza Martinez bond and ordered him to remain in custody pending deportation.

The players

Juan Espinoza Martinez

A Chicago resident who was acquitted of murder-for-hire charges but remains in ICE custody pending deportation to Mexico.

Gregory Bovino

A Border Patrol Commander known for aggressive immigration enforcement operations, who was allegedly the target of the murder-for-hire plot.

Bianca Hernandez

Espinoza Martinez's wife, who is disappointed by the immigration judge's decision to deny him bond and is vowing to continue fighting to prove his innocence.

Sussethe Renteria

The immigration lawyer representing Espinoza Martinez.

James Patrick Hanlon

The federal judge who ruled that Espinoza Martinez had been unlawfully denied a bond hearing.

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What they’re saying

“We were really hoping he would come home. But we knew this was going to be a fight, and we are not going to give up.”

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

“He was initially detained based on false information. Homeland Security is still labeling him as a high-ranking gang member, even though it has been proven that he has no gang ties.”

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

What’s next

Espinoza Martinez's immigration lawyer, Sussethe Renteria, plans to continue fighting to prove his innocence and find a way for him to return home to his family.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by non-citizens in the U.S. legal system, where they can remain in custody even after being acquitted of criminal charges. It underscores the need for greater protections and due process for immigrants, as well as the importance of addressing the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement.