Venezuelan illegal immigrants busted, charged with shoplifting in Chicago

On Friday, two illegal immigrants from Venezuela were arrested near Chicago for allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a local Macy’s, which has been a regular target of retail theft by other illegal immigrants.

According to DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, and Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, went into the store in Oak Brook, Illinois, at approximately 7 pm carrying empty bags, and working together, grabbed items of clothing from the store.

After the duo allegedly left the store without paying, Oak Brook police intercepted them. Herrera-Gotopo was taken into custody without incident but Gavidia-Rojas fled and led officers on a brief foot chase before he was caught.

The pair had $665 in stolen goods in their possession.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said, "The quick apprehension of the defendants in this case sends the message that law enforcement in DuPage County is ready for any would-be shoplifters and if you steal from any of our retail establishments, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted.”

Both men, who are being housed in Chicago, were charged with one count of felony retail theft each but were released after a judge denied the state’s motion to detain them.

According to Fox News, Oak Brook Macy’s has been an ongoing target of retail theft, and last month Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz warned citizens of a spike in criminal activity due to illegal immigrants being housed in Chicago.

The outlet reported that at least nine Venezuelan illegal immigrants have been arrested in separate theft incidents at the Oak Brook Macy’s and a Kohl’s in nearby Elmhurst recently.

Over 20,000 illegal immigrants have flooded Chicago since August 2022.