Mother of Slain College Student Challenges Lawmakers on Sanctuary City Priorities

The mother of an 18-year-old college freshman, tragically killed in March, directly challenged lawmakers this week to articulate why individuals residing in the country without legal authorization appear to be prioritized over American citizens. Jessica Gorman, whose daughter Sheridan Gorman died after being shot in Chicago, delivered an emotional testimony during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing dedicated to sanctuary policies, asserting that such measures failed to safeguard her child.

Sheridan Gorman had gone to the Chicago lakefront with friends to witness the Northern Lights when she was fatally wounded. Addressing the congressional panel, Gorman accused leaders and politicians in sanctuary cities of neglecting their duty to protect her daughter.

I want you to imagine that little girl on the 'buddy bench,' that innocent college freshman with a heart full of compassion and a head full of dreams that was gunned down by an illegal immigrant. I want you to imagine that was your daughter, not mine. What if she was yours?

Gorman's powerful words evoked a childhood anecdote about Sheridan, who would often seek out the "buddy bench" during recess, ready to comfort classmates who felt isolated or excluded. She expressed profound sorrow that her daughter, who dedicated her life to making others feel valued, ultimately faced a lack of protection from those entrusted with that responsibility.

I bring this back to the buddy bench. I think Congress needs one. Yes, I think every governor, every mayor, every sanctuary city official and politician shifting blame and interest, hiding behind their slogans and talking points should have to all sit on one. I challenge you all to sit down with me. Take my hand, look me in the eye, and then explain to me, because I just don't understand. Explain why people here illegally matter more than your American citizens. Explain why sanctuary policies matter more than my Sheridan's life. Explain why cooperation with ICE was too much to ask for, but asking our American parents to bury our children is somehow acceptable. Ask me — I need you to tell me.

Accused Perpetrator's Background

Gorman identified the man accused of her daughter's murder as Jose Medina, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. She stated that Medina "should not have even been in this country," noting he had previously committed a crime and had an outstanding warrant, yet remained on the streets of Chicago.

But this story is not about him. The story is about my Sheridan.

Congressional Debate on Sanctuary Policies

The hearing itself focused on the implications of sanctuary policies and whether jurisdictions that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities pose a risk to American citizens. Republicans on the committee contended that these policies enable criminal undocumented immigrants to be released back into communities rather than being transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In contrast, Democrats argued that such policies are crucial for maintaining trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement agencies.

Representative Tom McClintock, a California Republican and chair of the subcommittee, initiated the hearing by affirming that Republicans would continue to highlight the plights of victims' families until sanctuary policies are "rectified." Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat and the ranking member, extended her condolences to Gorman and another witness whose daughter had also been killed. However, she criticized the hearing as the committee's fourth on sanctuary cities, suggesting that Democrats should instead be investigating the immigration enforcement policies of the previous administration.

The proceedings became contentious even before Gorman delivered her testimony. Representative Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, began to introduce her but was interrupted by Democratic members who argued that his remarks had veered from a simple introduction into a broader commentary on immigration policy.

An Unlikely Advocate

Gorman later shared with lawmakers that she had never envisioned herself becoming a public advocate, but her daughter's death compelled her into this fight.

I’m a lover, not a fighter. I’m not a public speaker. I’m not someone who ever speaks out about things. I have to.