An undocumented immigrant has been accused of killing an 18-year-old college student in Chicago, and officials say he has a criminal background. He entered the U.S. during the Biden administration.
Jose Medina, a 25-year-old from Venezuela, was arrested on Friday for allegedly shooting and killing Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University Chicago freshman. Authorities indicated that the shooting, which happened on Thursday, was an ambush. Witnesses reported that the suspect was wearing a mask. Medina was apprehended in Rogers Park, close to the incident location.
Medina was supposed to face court on Monday, but his hearing was delayed because he is hospitalized. Chicago police mentioned he is in isolation due to a possibly contagious illness, like tuberculosis.
Gorman, who hailed from Westchester County, New York, was shot while attempting to escape with friends. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Medina was caught by U.S. Border Patrol on May 9, 2023, and released into the United States thereafter. In June, he was arrested for shoplifting but was released shortly after.
He now faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, along with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm unlawfully. Following the murder allegation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss called on local politicians, including Governor Pritzker, to ensure that criminal undocumented immigrants are not returned to neighborhoods after serving time.
Gorman’s family expressed their grief, stating that their daughter’s death highlights systemic flaws within the immigration system. They are calling for thorough prosecution in this case, stressing that when the system fails, real people suffer permanent consequences.
In a twist, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, earlier this year, posted a satirical video asserting the safety of Chicago, while wearing a bulletproof vest. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Maria Hadden referred to Gorman’s tragic fate as being in “the wrong place at the wrong time,” as young people engaged in typical neighborhood activities. “It’s heartbreaking,” she noted, highlighting how random encounters can lead to devastating outcomes.
