A federal immigration officer and a female accomplice are facing serious charges after being accused of a terrifying armed kidnapping in broad daylight on the streets of Chicago.
Juan Alberto Ortiz, 37, identified as a Deportation Officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Christina Maria Zamora, 34, have been charged with aggravated kidnapping and armed violence. The alleged victim, Joshalin Rivera, was reportedly snatched in a violent struggle near West 31st Street and South California Avenue.
A Brazen Daylight Abduction
The court heard how the victim was forcibly dragged into a black SUV by Ortiz, who was armed with a handgun, after a physical altercation on the pavement. The shocking incident was captured on surveillance video, which prosecutors say shows the victim being 'pulled by the hair' into the vehicle.
After the abduction, the Chicago Police Department issued a critical vehicle alert, leading to the SUV being spotted. What followed was a dramatic police pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver, forcing the suspect's vehicle to spin out and stop.
Standoff and Arrest
Following the chase, Ortiz allegedly refused to exit the vehicle for approximately fifteen minutes, prompting a tense standoff with law enforcement. He was eventually taken into custody without further incident. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle's centre console.
The victim, Joshalin Rivera, was found in the SUV and was visibly distressed but physically unharmed. She identified Ortiz as her kidnapper to the responding officers.
In a concerning twist, Ortiz is a federal ICE agent, though the agency confirmed he was 'not on official duty at the time of the incident.' ICE has stated it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Both Ortiz and Zamora appeared in court over the weekend, where a judge denied release on bail, deeming them potential flight risks. Their next court appearance is scheduled for later this month.
