Mother Criticizes Sanctuary City Policies After Daughter’s Tragic Death

The mother of a Loyola University Chicago student, who was tragically shot and killed earlier this year, criticized Democrat-led sanctuary city policies during a heartfelt testimony on Capitol Hill. Jessica Gorman, whose 18-year-old daughter Sheridan was slain in March, addressed a House Judiciary subcommittee reviewing the impact of sanctuary policies.

Tragic Event Involving Sheridan Gorman

Sheridan Gorman, a freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was shot on March 19 while walking with friends in the Rogers Park neighborhood near Tobey Prinz Beach. According to authorities, a man identified as Jose Medina-Medina, wearing dark clothing and a mask, approached the group and fired as they ran, fatally striking Gorman.

The suspect was arrested days later. He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapons offenses, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Testimony at the Hearing

During her remarks to lawmakers, Jessica Gorman challenged them to justify sanctuary policies prioritizing the undocumented over American citizens. She questioned why these policies mattered more than her daughter’s life and argued that collaborating with immigration authorities shouldn’t be considered excessive.

Gorman criticized expressions of sympathy, insisting that there are no excuses when a family loses a child. She urged Congress members to accept responsibility for their decisions, expressing confusion about why only Republicans seemed concerned for American children.

The hearing examined the effect of local policies on families of victims. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the Democratic ranking member, mentioned that this was the fourth such hearing by the committee and suggested alternative focuses, like reviewing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

Jessica Gorman expressed anger at Democrats, implying a lack of care towards families who have lost loved ones, referred to as “angel families.” She sarcastically thanked them for their apparent indifference.

Department of Homeland Security Statement

The Department of Homeland Security indicated that Medina-Medina was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023. Under the Biden administration, he was released into the country and later released again on June 19, 2023, after a shoplifting charge in Chicago.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as new information becomes available.