Overview

• Edmonds Peraza Cortez, a 25-year-old Venezuelan migrant, was arrested on April 11 for allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint in Chicago.
• This marks Cortez's sixth arrest in 13 months, with four prior cases against him dropped by prosecutors.
• A judge ordered Cortez to remain in custody on April 18, citing the seriousness of the armed robbery charge and potential danger to the community.
• Cortez had been released from electronic monitoring just three days before the alleged robbery, following the dismissal of a narcotics case.
• The case has intensified partisan debates over Chicago's sanctuary city status, with Mayor Brandon Johnson defending the policy and critics citing public safety concerns.