EXCLUSIVE: In a poignant tribute, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a video commemorating an Illinois woman whose tragic fate has garnered national attention. Her remains were allegedly concealed in a storage container and covered with bleach by an undocumented immigrant, who remained at large until federal authorities apprehended him.

The remains of Megan Bos were discovered in April 2025 by Waukegan Police Department officers. The 37-year-old had been reported missing a month prior, and her body was found in a container on the property of Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, a Mexican national, according to DHS reports.

It is alleged that Bos was visiting Mendoza, aged 52, who asserted that she had been under the influence of drugs. He informed investigators that he had found her unresponsive and presumed she had succumbed to an overdose.

The suspect, Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, and Megan Bos, whose body was discovered on his property, are at the center of this case. Mendoza is accused of storing Bos’ body in a container for months and attempting to obscure evidence with bleach. (Department of Homeland Security)

According to DHS, Mendoza initially left her body in his basement for several days before discarding it in a trash bin in his backyard. He poured bleach over her remains and left them there for nearly two months, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crime.

Mendoza was charged with concealing the body, abusing a corpse, two counts of concealing the death of a person and obstructing justice, all felonies, but none were detainable offenses under Illinois sanctuary laws, DHS said. 

After a court hearing, Lake County Judge Randie Bruno released Mendoza from custody. He was eventually arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Chicago on July 19, 2025. 

“Our hearts break for the family of Megan Bos, a victim of illegal alien crime completely abandoned by the sanctuary policies of Illinois and JB Pritzker,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. 

“This is why we do what we do. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS is prioritizing the lives of innocent Americans victimized by illegal aliens. “

Megan Bos, 37, was reported missing and later found dead in Jose Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez’s yard. (DHS)

McLaughlin noted that 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States.

In a video honoring Bos, her mother, Jennifer Bos, criticized the treatment of ICE officers as they continue to target criminal illegal immigrants across the country. In Minneapolis, federal authorities have clashed with agitators during enforcement operations, resulting in deadly shootings in two cases. 

The mother of Megan Bos is criticizing Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s resistance to federal immigration enforcement after her daughter’s death. (Scott Olson/Getty Images; Jennifer Bos)

“I hate that ICE is being treated the way they are. Please hold strong, please keep doing it, please don’t give up. I know, for me, I’m so grateful that you’re doing it. And there’s so many people who are so grateful that you’re there doing that,” said Jennifer Bos. “Every crime that is committed by somebody who does not belong here is a crime that could have been prevented.

“It didn’t have to happen. They’re doing horrible things, and people like (Illinois) Governor Pritzker are protecting them anyway,” she added. “We’re just asking to get rid of the criminals who hurt our families.”

The Trump administration has sued several states over sanctuary laws, which critics say protect illegal immigrants and criminals while posing a public safety risk. The administration sued Illinois and several other states over the matter. 

In July 2025, a federal judge dismissed the suit against Illinois, citing overreach by the federal government.