Overview
- U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ruled that Juan Espinoza Martinez must be released or receive a bond hearing by Wednesday, Feb. 11.
- Hanlon temporarily barred deportation and limited any transfer to federal districts in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin while the case proceeds.
- Espinoza Martinez remains in ICE custody at the Clay County Justice Center in Brazil, Indiana, awaiting compliance with the order.
- A Chicago jury acquitted him in January after a brief trial that centered on Snapchat messages and an informant’s account, with the defense noting no money changed hands and no weapons were obtained.
- The case stems from Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area, where reporters note roughly half of about 30 related prosecutions have been dismissed or dropped.