Man Acquitted in Murder-for-Hire Plot Denied Bail Amid Deportation Proceedings

Juan Espinoza Martinez will remain in custody as the federal government moves to deport him.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An immigration judge has denied bail to Juan Espinoza Martinez, a Chicago man who was recently cleared of charges accusing him of offering $10,000 for the murder of a Border Patrol commander. Despite being acquitted in his criminal trial, Martinez is now being held in custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the federal government moves to deport him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement, as an individual can be acquitted of a serious crime but still face potential deportation proceedings. It raises questions about due process and the rights of immigrants, even those without criminal records, when facing removal from the country.

The details

Federal prosecutors had accused Espinoza Martinez of offering a $10,000 bounty for the murder of Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, who was the face of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement effort in the Chicago area. However, a jury took about three hours to acquit him following his trial last month. Despite the acquittal, attorneys for the Department of Homeland Security argued that Martinez was a danger to the community, and an immigration judge in Chicago agreed to keep him in custody as the government moves to deport him.

  • On February 12, 2026, an immigration judge denied bail to Juan Espinoza Martinez.
  • Last month, a federal jury acquitted Martinez of the murder-for-hire charges.

The players

Juan Espinoza Martinez

A Chicago man who was recently acquitted of charges accusing him of offering $10,000 for the murder of a Border Patrol commander, but is now being held in custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the federal government moves to deport him.

Gregory Bovino

The Border Patrol commander who was the alleged target of the murder-for-hire plot that Martinez was acquitted of.

Sussethe Renteria

The attorney representing Juan Espinoza Martinez.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that argued Martinez was a danger to the community and should be kept in custody amid deportation proceedings.

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What they’re saying

“While we respect the court's decision, we are disappointed with the outcome. My client has the right to appeal and we will explore those options. He has the unwavering support of his community and his family, and has three children and a wife desperate for him to come home. We are confident that justice will be served.”

— Sussethe Renteria, Attorney for Juan Espinoza Martinez

What’s next

Martinez's attorney, Sussethe Renteria, said she will consider a possible appeal of the immigration judge's ruling to deny bail and keep Martinez in custody during the deportation proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often conflicting intersections of criminal justice and immigration enforcement, where an individual can be acquitted of a serious crime but still face potential deportation. It raises important questions about due process, the rights of immigrants, and the extent to which the criminal justice system and immigration system should operate independently or in coordination.