Prairie State Wire

An alleged leader of a Chicago street gang has been charged in federal court with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official involved in an immigration enforcement operation called “Operation Midway Blitz.”

According to a criminal complaint unsealed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, is accused of offering money for information about and the killing of the official. The complaint alleges that Martinez, identified as a ranking member of the Latin Kings gang, sent messages via Snapchat stating “2k on information when you get him” and “10k if u take him down.” The message reportedly included a photo of the targeted official, who had participated in recent immigration operations on behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Martinez was arrested Monday morning. His initial appearance in federal court has not yet been scheduled.

The charges and arrest were announced by Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General; Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Chicago.

“Placing a bounty on the head of a federal officer is an attack on the rule of law and on every American who depends on law enforcement to keep them safe,” said Deputy Attorney General Blanche. “This case is exactly what we mean when we say Take Back America - taking back every neighborhood and street corner from violent thugs and criminal gangs and returning them to the law-abiding members of our communities. The Department of Justice will never allow violent gangs or criminal networks to target those who protect our borders and our communities. We will use every authority, every resource, and every partnership at our disposal to bring anyone who threatens or harms our officers to justice - swiftly and decisively.”

“Putting a price on the life of a law enforcement officer is a line that can never be crossed,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The defendant’s actions in this case demonstrate a profound contempt for human life and public safety. Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will hold defendants accountable for their grave criminal actions and ensure that no federal officer has to fear for their life for doing their job."

“The arrest of this ruthless and violent member of the Latin Kings, a criminal organization notorious for its cruelty and disregard for the law, highlights the steadfast commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners to protect those who uphold justice,” said HSI SAC Scarpino. “Targeting a senior federal officer is a cowardly and direct assault on the rule of law, and HSI will persist in breaking apart violent gangs like the Latin Kings that threaten our communities and those sworn to protect them.”

Authorities reminded that charges are not evidence of guilt; Martinez is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.