Story perspectives

Jury Selection Begins for Bounty Accused Immigrant

1/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jury selection began for Juan Espinoza Martinez, who is accused of offering a $10,000 bounty on Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
Espinoza Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented immigrant, faces a murder-for-hire charge and has pleaded not guilty.
U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow ruled that prosecutors could not mention his alleged ties to the Latin Kings gang, deeming it prejudicial.
If convicted, Espinoza Martinez could face up to 10 years in prison, marking a significant test for federal prosecutors amid skepticism about immigration policies.

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Story summary

Jury selection began for Juan Espinoza Martinez, who is accused of offering a $10,000 bounty on Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
Espinoza Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented immigrant, faces a murder-for-hire charge and has pleaded not guilty.
U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow ruled that prosecutors could not mention his alleged ties to the Latin Kings gang, deeming it prejudicial.
If convicted, Espinoza Martinez could face up to 10 years in prison, marking a significant test for federal prosecutors amid skepticism about immigration policies.