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CHICAGO - An arrest warrant has been issued for Pedro Colmenares, a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua migrant gang.
He was released from custody in Chicago last week despite police having probable cause to detain him in connection with a murder.
What we know:
Colmenares, 33, a Venezuelan migrant with a prior weapons charge, is suspected of shooting and killing a 25-year-old Hispanic man last September, as reported by Fox News.
He's accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting his former girlfriend.
Chicago police cited probable cause to keep Colmenares detained for the murder, but the Cook County State’s Attorney's office declined to file charges, stating the case lacked sufficient evidence and was hindered by "uncooperative witnesses."
Meanwhile, Homeland Security had tried to detain Colmenares on an ICE hold for the weapons charge in October, but Cook County's sanctuary policy blocked compliance, leading to his release.
Colmenares entered the U.S. illegally in September 2022 and was ordered deported that November. However, he remained in Chicago while appealing the decision.
Fox News has confirmed that the arrest warrant for Colmenares is now in connection with the kidnapping and sexual assault of his former girlfriend, which occurred last October in Chicago.
Dig deeper:
The court document lists the charges as aggravated kidnapping and aggravated criminal sexual assault with a firearm.
Colmenares allegedly threatened the 27-year-old woman, forcing her into a car with the threat of a firearm, and then drove her to a different location on Chicago's West Side, where he is accused of battering and assaulting her over several days.
What's next:
Colmenares is scheduled to appear in court on March 5.
While ordered to surrender any weapons and stay away from the victim, he was not placed on electronic monitoring.
For more, follow this link to FOX News.