The Trump administration has requested an ICE detainer for Leyter Jeferson Arauz-Medina, a Nicaraguan national accused of sexually assaulting a 54-year-old woman in Chicago. Arauz-Medina entered the US in 2024 and received a deportation order shortly before the August 31, 2025 incident. Local sanctuary policies may complicate efforts to transfer him to federal custody.
Leyter Jeferson Arauz-Medina, a Nicaraguan national who entered the United States in 2024, allegedly attacked a 54-year-old woman on August 31, 2025, in Chicago. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Arauz-Medina had been allowed entry under the previous administration and received a deportation order weeks prior to the incident.
Authorities report that Arauz-Medina dragged the screaming woman across a street into an alley, threw her to the ground, strangled her, stripped her naked, and repeatedly slammed her head into the concrete, causing her to lose consciousness. She regained consciousness and fought back as the assault continued. A passing motorist startled him, prompting his flight from the scene. The victim, found naked, sought help from a nearby food truck worker.
Following the assault, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an arrest detainer to Chicago authorities. Arauz-Medina faces charges of rape, sexual assault, assault, and drug possession. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “A real-life nightmare: This criminal, who JB Pritzker continues to protect, VICIOUSLY ATTACKED an innocent woman who was walking the streets of Chicago.” She added, “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.”
Chicago's sanctuary city status poses challenges for federal efforts to secure custody upon his release. Since September 2025, DHS has deployed additional ICE and Border Patrol agents in Illinois under “Operation Midway Blitz,” leading to hundreds of arrests. Tensions have escalated with protests blocking federal operations, threats from Mexican cartels, and assaults on agents. President Trump has requested National Guard deployment to maintain order, but it remains stalled by a judge amid a lawsuit from Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker has described the proposed deployment as “Trump’s invasion.”