A 21-year-old man from Nicaragua, identified as Leyter Arauz-Medina, has been charged with raping a 54-year-old woman in Chicago after allegedly dragging her into an alley, stripping her, and bashing her head into concrete, authorities said.
The attack occurred on August 31 in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. Arauz-Medina has been in custody since his arrest last month. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an arrest detainer, requesting that local authorities notify federal officials before any potential release. However, as Chicago is a sanctuary city, local authorities are restricted from honoring ICE requests.
“A real-life nightmare: This criminal viciously attacked an innocent woman who was walking the streets of Chicago,” said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, criticizing the city’s sanctuary policies.
According to authorities, Arauz-Medina allegedly grabbed the woman by her hair, dragged her across the street, and forced her into an alley. Surveillance footage captured her screams. In the alley, he allegedly choked her, stripped her, and slammed her head into the concrete, causing her to briefly lose consciousness.
The victim ran naked down the street until a nearby food truck vendor assisted her. Arauz-Medina fled the scene after being startled by a passing motorist but was later detained by police.
ICE officials say Arauz-Medina entered the U.S. illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas, on Sept. 17, 2024, and an immigration judge ordered his removal in July 2025. He remains held on rape charges.
“This monster was released into our country by the Biden Administration,” McLaughlin said, adding that authorities will work to ensure he does not walk free again.
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