Adrian
CHICAGO – A 25-year-old Venezuelan migrant, EDMONDS PERAZA CORTEZ, has been arrested for the sixth time in just over a year, this time for allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint. The arrest comes mere days after prosecutors in Chicago, a sanctuary city, dropped additional charges against him, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The incident occurred on April 11 when CORTEZ, allegedly riding a bicycle, approached a 41-year-old woman, brandished a firearm, and demanded, “Money! Money!” He then reportedly took the woman’s cellphone, wallet, and electric scooter. Police apprehended CORTEZ less than an hour after the alleged robbery, which was captured on surveillance footage, as reported by CWB Chicago.
CORTEZ now faces one felony count of armed robbery with a firearm. His rap sheet includes six arrests in just 13 months, with prosecutors dismissing charges in four of those cases. Details regarding his legal representation were not immediately available.
This latest arrest occurred just three days after CORTEZ was released from electronic monitoring following the dismissal of a narcotics case against him. He is currently awaiting trial on charges of reckless conduct and possession of a replica firearm.
The Cook County State Attorney’s Office and the Chicago Police Department did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
The case has reignited debate over Chicago’s sanctuary city policies. Earlier this week, Mayor BRANDON JOHNSON defended the city’s stance, stating, “Violence is down, investments are up, and we’ll continue to move in that direction to build a more inclusive economy for everyone.” Mayor JOHNSON also did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Meanwhile, Representative JESÚS “CHUY” GARCÍA, D-Ill., downplayed crimes committed by undocumented immigrants during a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement hearing last week. “Republicans have lifted up some tragedies that involve immigrants committing a few crimes,” GARCÍA said. “This is the exception, not the rule. I live in an immigrant neighborhood in Chicago. I know what it’s like.”
GARCÍA’s remarks drew sharp criticism from DANIELLE CARTER-WALTERS, Vice President of Chicago Flips Red. “It’s funny that Mr. García is from Chicago, and he cannot tell you what’s happening in our community,” she testified. “If he came into our community, he would see all the gang graffiti, the Tren de Aragua signs, the MS-13. He would see across the street in a park where they’re putting the shelters, all the needles in the park.”
In a status hearing on Thursday, a judge ordered CORTEZ to remain in custody as he awaits an official indictment, stating, “The defendant is charged with a very serious offense. I believe he is a danger to the community. I believe the defendant’s detention is lawful and appropriate.”
Fox News’ LINDSAY KORNICK and MIKE TOBIN contributed to this report.
Sources:
CWB Chicago
Fox News
