A suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang has been apprehended in Chicago following multiple arrests and deportation orders.
According to Fox News, Pedro Colmenares, 33, was arrested Tuesday morning on Chicago's west side in a coordinated effort involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Chicago police, and U.S. Marshals after being previously released despite serious criminal allegations.
The arrest marks the fourth time Colmenares has been taken into custody, with charges ranging from domestic battery to suspected involvement in a murder case. His recent arrest stems from allegations of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in September, during which he allegedly threatened her with a firearm.
Complex web of criminal allegations and releases
Chicago law enforcement had previously detained Colmenares in February for questioning regarding the shooting death of a 25-year-old Hispanic man. Despite police finding probable cause for murder charges, the Cook County State's Attorney's office declined to pursue homicide charges, citing insufficient evidence and uncooperative witnesses.
The suspect's history with law enforcement began shortly after his entry into the United States in September 2022. Within two months of his arrival, an immigration judge ordered his deportation, but Colmenares remained in the country while appealing the ruling.
His presence in Chicago became increasingly controversial when local officials, adhering to the city's sanctuary policies, refused to comply with an ICE detainer following a weapons charge last year. This decision allowed Colmenares to remain free despite federal authorities' attempts to detain him.
Pattern of escalating criminal behavior
Colmenares' criminal record in Chicago began with a relatively minor incident in February 2024, when he was stopped for a broken taillight. Officers discovered he was operating an unregistered, uninsured vehicle without a valid driver's license.
The situation intensified when allegations emerged about his involvement in a violent incident with his former girlfriend. Law enforcement sources indicate he forced the 27-year-old Hispanic woman into a vehicle at gunpoint and held her captive for several days.
The Cook County State's Attorney's office initially rejected felony charges in the sexual assault case, citing insufficient evidence. However, they later reversed course after discovering new evidence, leading to the issuance of a fresh warrant.
Sanctuary city policies under scrutiny
The case has reignited debate about Chicago's sanctuary city policies, which prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. These policies directly impacted Colmenares' case when county officials declined to honor ICE's detainer request.
The multi-agency operation that led to Tuesday's arrest demonstrates a rare instance of cooperation between local and federal authorities in Chicago. This collaboration occurred despite the city's general stance against assisting with immigration enforcement.
DHS officials have expressed frustration with the sanctuary policies that allowed Colmenares to remain free despite his deportation order and subsequent criminal charges. The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local sanctuary policies.
Current status and next steps
Pedro Colmenares now faces serious charges related to kidnapping and sexual assault, marking a significant development in a case that has spanned multiple arrests and jurisdictions. His arrest on Tuesday morning on Chicago's west side resulted from a coordinated effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies, despite previous conflicts over sanctuary city policies. The case continues to highlight the complex interactions between immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, and sanctuary city policies, particularly as it involves a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang who had been ordered deported in 2022.
