Mother of Slain Student Criticizes Sanctuary City Policies

The mother of a Loyola University Chicago student, who was tragically killed earlier this year, spoke at a Capitol Hill hearing to criticize sanctuary city policies. Jessica Gorman’s 18-year-old daughter, Sheridan, was shot and killed in March. Jessica addressed a House Judiciary subcommittee on the impact of sanctuary policies.

Details on Sheridan Gorman’s Death

Sheridan Gorman, a freshman, was shot on March 19 while with friends near Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Prosecutors claim Jose Medina-Medina, the accused shooter, approached the group, wearing dark clothes and a mask, and fired as they fled. He struck Gorman with gunfire. Medina-Medina was arrested shortly after and has pleaded not guilty to charges, including first-degree murder and weapons offenses.

Jessica Gorman’s Statement at the Hearing

During the hearing, Jessica Gorman questioned lawmakers about what she sees as flawed priorities. She asked why illegal immigrants seem to get more protection than U.S. citizens, emphasizing that sanctuary policies overshadowed her daughter’s life. Gorman criticized the lack of cooperation with immigration authorities and argued that such cooperation should not be too much to ask.

Gorman expressed frustration, claiming that there is no justification when a family loses a child. She urged Congress members to take responsibility for policy decisions. Gorman also noted with dismay that only Republicans appeared to be concerned about children’s safety.

The hearing aimed to explore the impact of local policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities on victims’ families. Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal stated that this was the fourth such hearing by the committee, questioning the focus when there could be other pressing matters such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conduct.

Gorman addressed Democratic lawmakers, saying, “this is the fourth time you’ve had angel families.” She accused them of negligence, expressing her disappointment. The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Medina-Medina was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in May 2023 and later released twice, once after a shoplifting charge in Chicago.

This story continues to develop.