Trump Admin Seeks ICE Detainer for Illegal Immigrant Accused of Raping Unconscious Woman in Sanctuary City Chicago
The Trump administration is demanding accountability after a brutal attack in Chicago, where an illegal immigrant allegedly raped a woman he knocked unconscious—just weeks after receiving a deportation order.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Leyter Jeferson Arauz-Medina, an illegal alien from Nicaragua, was waved through the border in 2024 under Biden-era immigration policies. On August 31, 2025, he allegedly dragged a 54-year-old woman into an alley, choked her into unconsciousness, and viciously raped her on a Chicago street.
ICE has since lodged a detainer with local authorities in sanctuary city Chicago, requesting that Arauz-Medina be turned over to federal custody. But due to Illinois’ sanctuary state laws, it’s unclear if the city will comply.
DHS officials say the victim was left bleeding and battered after Arauz-Medina repeatedly bashed her head into concrete during the assault. She later regained consciousness and fought back, but the suspect continued to assault her until a motorist passed by, spooking him into fleeing. The victim, still naked, ran down the street and was helped by a nearby food truck worker.
“A real-life nightmare: This criminal, who JB Pritzker continues to protect, VICIOUSLY ATTACKED an innocent woman walking the streets of Chicago,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to The Daily Wire.
“This monster was released into our country by the Biden Administration. Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies protect criminal illegal alien rapists over American citizens. We will do everything in our power to ensure this wicked criminal NEVER walks our streets again,” she added.
Arauz-Medina had already been issued a final deportation order, which local officials did not enforce due to Chicago’s sanctuary city protections. He now faces multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, assault, and drug possession.
The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Illinois to comply with federal detainers. In September, DHS launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” deploying more ICE and Border Patrol agents into the state. Hundreds of illegal immigrants have been arrested under the operation so far, despite widespread resistance from left-wing activists and violent protests.
Cartel-linked groups have reportedly offered bounties for attacking federal officers, further complicating operations. President Trump has attempted to deploy the National Guard to assist law enforcement in Chicago, but a state lawsuit filed by Illinois Democrats has temporarily blocked the move. Governor Pritzker denounced the plan as “Trump’s invasion.”
As of now, Arauz-Medina remains in local custody while ICE pushes for the sanctuary city to honor the detainer. Whether Chicago officials will comply or once again obstruct immigration enforcement remains to be seen.