Chicago Man Acquitted in Alleged Plot Against Border Patrol Commander; Bovino at Center of Minneapolis Clash
CHICAGO, January 25, 2026 – A federal jury on Thursday found a Chicago man not guilty of soliciting the murder of a top Border Patrol commander, delivering a verdict in the first criminal trial to stem from a contentious immigration crackdown in the city. The acquittal comes as the commander at the center of the case, Gregory Bovino, faces intense scrutiny for his role in a separate, violent confrontation with protesters in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Not Guilty Verdict in Murder-for-Hire Case
After less than four hours of deliberation, a jury acquitted 37-year-old Juan Espinoza Martinez of a single count of murder-for-hire. Federal prosecutors had alleged that Espinoza Martinez, a carpenter, used Snapchat to offer a $10,000 bounty for the killing of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commander Gregory Bovino last October. If convicted, he faced up to 10 years in prison.
The defense successfully argued that the Snapchat messages, which included phrases like “10k if u take him down” alongside a photo of Bovino, amounted to “neighborhood gossip” and were not a serious solicitation. Espinoza Martinez’s younger brother testified that he dismissed the messages as a joke, stating, “Nobody’s going to do that for $10K.”
A significant blow to the prosecution’s case came when U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow barred testimony alleging Espinoza Martinez was a “ranking member” of the Latin Kings street gang, citing a lack of evidence. The defendant, a father of three who has lived in the U.S. for decades without legal status, maintained his innocence.
Bovino’s Controversial Week in Minneapolis
As the trial concluded in Chicago, Commander Bovino was hundreds of miles away in Minneapolis, where he is leading a federal immigration operation dubbed “Metro Surge.” On Tuesday, he was captured on video throwing a gas grenade into a crowd of protesters at Mueller Park. The Minnesota Star-Tribune reported “plumes of green and gray smoke burst over the crowd,” causing people to flee.
The incident occurred shortly after Bovino and other immigration agents were denied service at a local Speedway gas station, with an employee stating, “We don’t support ICE.” The confrontation escalated as agents exited, leading to the deployment of chemical spray and the gas grenade.
Bovino has been a constant, visible presence on the streets of Minneapolis, often wearing an olive-green Border Patrol trench coat that has drawn criticism from figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who compared its appearance to “SS garb.” Bovino has defended the coat as a standard-issue item he purchased in 1999.
Key Facts & Case Details
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, Chicago carpenter. |
| Charge | One count of murder-for-hire (Not Guilty). |
| Alleged Bounty | $10,000 for information leading to CBP Commander Gregory Bovino. |
| Key Evidence | Snapchat messages sent to a government informant. |
| Minneapolis Incident | Bovino threw a gas grenade at protesters on Tuesday, Jan. 20. |
| Bovino’s Role | CBP Commander at Large, leading immigration operations in multiple cities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gregory Bovino?
Gregory Bovino is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commander at Large. A 30-year veteran of the Border Patrol, he has become the public face of the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement operations in several major cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and currently Minneapolis. His aggressive tactics and prominent media presence have made him a polarizing figure.
What was “Operation Midway Blitz”?
Operation Midway Blitz was a federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area that began last year. It resulted in thousands of arrests and sparked widespread protests. The trial of Juan Espinoza Martinez was the first criminal case to go to trial stemming from that operation. According to reports, charges have been dropped or dismissed in approximately half of the roughly 30 criminal cases filed.
What has been the reaction to Bovino’s tactics?
Reaction is sharply divided. Supporters of the administration view Bovino as a hero enforcing the law. However, he faces fierce criticism from local leaders, activists, and legal groups who accuse him of authorizing excessively aggressive and militarized tactics. His conduct has been rebuked by federal judges in the past, and his uniform choices have sparked accusations of invoking fascist imagery.