How Did She Get Released? DHS Says Teacher Helped Tren de Aragua Gunmen

Federal immigration authorities have arrested a former Illinois teacher accused of helping two Tren de Aragua-linked gunmen carry out a deadly Chicago house-party shooting after DHS said Chicago police previously released her without notifying ICE.

The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that Homeland Security Investigations agents took Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, 32, 

 

into custody on May 13. DHS said the Venezuelan national, who also holds Italian citizenship, drove the alleged shooters to the scene, helped them escape afterward, and remained in the United States illegally after overstaying her Visa Waiver Program admission.

Moreno Occhipinti entered the United States in October 2021 under the Visa Waiver Program and was required to leave by Jan. 2, 2022. DHS said she never left and remained in the country unlawfully.

DHS alleges Moreno Occhipinti drove Ricardo Granadillo Padilla and Edward Martinez Cermeno to a house party in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood on Dec. 2, 2024. The department said the two men, both identified by DHS as connected to Tren de Aragua, opened fire at the party, killing three people and wounding five others before fleeing the scene.

Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said Chicago police arrested Moreno Occhipinti shortly after the shooting but released her without notifying ICE.

"This illegal alien who used to work as a teacher was involved in a mass shooting in Chicago that killed three people and injured others. Although Chicago police arrested this illegal alien shortly after the shooting, sanctuary politicians released her from jail without notifying ICE. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS is doing the job that sanctuary politicians in Illinois refuse to do: putting the American people first and removing these dangerous criminals from our communities."

A news segment on the story included additional details about Moreno Occhipinti's immigration history and arrest.

Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, 32 years old, first entered the U.S. in October of 2021 with the visa waiver program, but she was supposed to leave January 2, 2022, and she overstayed her visa.

The video also detailed Occhipinti's alleged role in the shooting.

"Federal authorities say Moreno Occhipinti also helped the gunman flee the scene."

The report then described the federal response after Chicago released her.

"Homeland Security Investigations took up her case and tracked her down May 13, 2026. She is now in federal custody pending removal from the United States."

Chicago police arrested Moreno Occhipinti on Dec. 5, 2024, on weapons-related charges. DHS said officers found multiple firearms in her vehicle shortly after the shooting, and investigators believe she helped the alleged shooters evade law enforcement after the attack.

DHS said Homeland Security Investigations kept pursuing the case after the Cook County State's Attorney's Office declined to move forward with criminal prosecution against the suspects.

Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, whose ward borders the area where the shooting occurred, said the case underscores concerns he has raised for years about the city's sanctuary policies.

"It's aggravating. It's mind-blowing, to be perfectly honest with you. How we have somebody who's teaching in our schools, who has ties to one of the most dangerous gangs in Venezuela?"

Lopez said he had previously raised concerns about activity at the residence where the shooting occurred and argued the attack exposed weaknesses in Chicago's welcoming-city policies.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office disputed DHS's characterization, telling reporters that the charges were not rejected and that the matter remains an ongoing police investigation.

---

Read More: Homeland Security Clocks Anti-Ice NJ Dems Mad That DHS Denied Access to Delaney Hall With Reality

Homeland Security, DOJ Vow to Hold Accountable Those Who 'Lost' Illegal Alien Minors - Including the Dems

---

The two alleged gunmen have since been arrested and deported, according to DHS. The department said Moreno Occhipinti helped facilitate the attack and later assisted the suspects after the shooting.

HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino said investigators remained focused on everyone connected to the killings.

"Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti's actions were calculated and deliberate, leading to the loss of three lives. I'm proud of our agents for pursuing this case to the end, ensuring that everyone who helped facilitate this mass homicide is brought to justice."

Chicago officials can keep defending limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. DHS pointed to this case as evidence of what happens when local authorities and federal immigration officials operate under different rules.