U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has arrested Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, an illegal alien and former Illinois teacher, in connection with a December 2024 mass shooting in Chicago that killed three people and injured several others. This arrest comes after she was previously released by Chicago authorities without federal notification.
Moreno Occhipinti, 32, a Venezuelan national with dual Italian citizenship, is accused of driving the two shooters, Ricardo Granadillo Padilla and Edward Martinez Cermeno, who are linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. Chicago police discovered multiple weapons in her vehicle immediately after the crime, and authorities believe she helped the shooters evade law enforcement.
She was initially arrested by the Chicago Police Department on December 5 for weapon charges but was released by what DHS termed “sanctuary politicians” without notifying ICE. HSI Chicago’s Human Trafficking and Smuggling Group agents arrested Moreno Occhipinti late on May 13, 2026, after the Cook County State Attorney’s office decided not to pursue criminal prosecution.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “Although Chicago police arrested this illegal alien shortly after the shooting, sanctuary politicians released her from jail without notifying ICE.” HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino added that Moreno Occhipinti’s “actions were calculated and deliberate, leading to the loss of three lives.” She remains in custody pending removal, having overstayed her Visa Waiver Program entry from October 2021.