Alleged Latin Kings Leader Charged in Murder‑for‑Hire Plot Targeting Border Patrol Officer in Chicago
Federal authorities charged an alleged Latin Kings leader in Chicago with arranging a murder‑for‑hire plot targeting a Border Patrol official, saying he used Snapchat to offer bounties — including messages reading "2k on information when you get him" and "10k if you take him down" — and allegedly shared a photo of a senior Border Patrol officer involved in "Operation Midway Blitz" while directing members to obtain firearms and patrol 39th & Kedzie and 26th & South Drake Avenue. U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal officials viewed the plot as an attack on the rule of law, and prosecutors tied the arrest to a violent weekend in Chicago that included related federal arrests.
📌 Key Facts
- An alleged Latin Kings leader has been charged in a murder-for-hire plot that targeted a senior U.S. Border Patrol officer in Chicago.
- Federal prosecutors (U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche) issued direct statements framing the alleged plot as an attack on the rule of law.
- Investigators say the defendant allegedly offered a bounty via Snapchat, with messages reading '2k on information when you get him' and '10k if you take him down.'
- Prosecutors allege the suspect used the handle 'monkeys---' on Snapchat, referenced the name 'Juan,' and shared a photo of the targeted Border Patrol officer, who had been involved in 'Operation Midway Blitz.'
- Authorities say the defendant ordered Latin Kings members to obtain firearms and patrol specific Chicago intersections (39th & Kedzie and 26th & South Drake Avenue) in connection with the plot.
- The arrest was reported in the context of a violent weekend in Chicago that also included federal agents arresting two people accused of ramming government vehicles.
📰 Sources (2)
- Direct DOJ quotations from U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche framing the alleged plot as an attack on the rule of law.
- Exact alleged Snapchat messages quoted in the article: '2k on information when you get him' and '10k if you take him down', and the suspect's alleged handle ('monkeys---') and use of the name 'Juan'.
- Allegation that Martinez shared a photo of a senior Border Patrol officer involved in 'Operation Midway Blitz' and ordered Latin Kings members to obtain firearms and patrol specific streets (39th & Kedzie; 26th & South Drake Avenue).
- Context tying the arrest to a violent weekend in Chicago that included federal agents arresting two people accused of ramming government vehicles (names and related incidents mentioned).