Immigration Judge Denies Bond for Chicago Man Acquitted in Alleged Bovino Murder Plot
A removal hearing is set for Feb. 25, with a federal court order limiting any transfer outside the 7th Circuit during ongoing litigation.
Overview
- On Feb. 11, Immigration Judge Matthew Beese denied bond, deeming Juan Espinoza Martinez a potential danger under immigration standards.
- Government lawyers presented an HSI report alleging Latin Kings ties and access to firearms and pointed to a Snapchat message offering money to "take him down" after a photo of Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino.
- Much of that material was excluded or unpersuasive in the criminal case, where a federal jury acquitted him on Jan. 22 and the trial judge barred gang-related evidence.
- ICE took him into custody the next day and transferred him to the Clay County jail in Indiana, where he remains detained pending deportation proceedings.
- A federal judge ordered a bond hearing or release and temporarily restricted any deportation outside the 7th Circuit; the defense plans an appeal and a bid to cancel removal ahead of the Feb. 25 hearing.