Request to Detain Suspect Following College Student’s Death
The governor of Illinois has yet to confirm if he will comply with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) request to hold a suspected illegal immigrant accused of fatally shooting a college student.
Eighteen-year-old Sheridan Gorman, who was a student at Loyola University Chicago, was allegedly shot around 1 a.m. on Thursday while walking with a friend to view the Northern Lights.
Reports indicate that Jose Medina-Medina, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, approached Gorman while wearing a mask and brandishing a firearm. When Gorman attempted to flee, Medina-Medina reportedly fired his weapon, resulting in her death at the scene.
Medina-Medina had been previously apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol in May 2023 but was released by the Biden administration, according to a report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He subsequently faced shoplifting charges in Chicago and was released again shortly thereafter.
On March 22, the DHS urged Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker not to release Medina-Medina from his latest detention, advising that he respect ICE’s requests regarding detainees.
Officials from Pritzker’s office expressed their condolences stating, “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and Loyola University community as they grieve the senseless killing of Sheridan Gorman.” They further emphasized that violent crime should not be tolerated in the city and called for full accountability for alleged offenders. A spokesperson also criticized the Trump administration for politicizing the incident and encouraged a focus on practical violence prevention solutions instead.
Jose Medina-Medina faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Lauren Biss, acting assistant secretary at DHS, remarked on the situation, asserting that Gorman was failed by lenient border policies and local politicians who allowed a repeat offender to remain free. She reiterated a call for the governor and local officials to prevent the release of dangerous undocumented individuals back into communities.
