Chicago Mayor’s Efforts to Protect Undocumented Immigrants After Tragedy

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has intensified his initiatives aimed at safeguarding undocumented immigrants following the tragic death of an 18-year-old Loyola University student, Sheridan Gorman, allegedly at the hands of an undocumented immigrant.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Johnson introduced “ICE-free” snowplows. He mentioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting that perhaps they should have reconsidered holding the event in light of Gorman’s death.

“This is a terrible tragedy. As I’ve mentioned from the beginning, I will strive to use every resource at my disposal to protect Chicago’s residents,” Johnson stated. “While this tragedy is deeply saddening, it will not dissuade us from our mission; instead, it will compel us to strengthen our efforts to protect every individual in our communities.”

The snowplow adorned with the words “Abolish ICE” was showcased as part of a “city-wide contest.” It’s reported that the phrase “Abolish ICE” has been suggested over 9,000 times.

Johnson’s remarks came in the wake of the arrest of 25-year-old José Medina-Medina, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, who faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder.

According to a report, Gorman was with friends when Medina allegedly approached and began firing shots. It was around 1 a.m. on March 19 when Gorman and his friends were near Tobey Prinz Beach in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Medina-Medina, with a mask on, allegedly fired at the group.

Tragically, Gorman was shot in the head and died at the scene. Video footage from the incident captured a response from students, highlighting the severe nature of the attack.

In light of Hadden’s comments, Councilwoman Maria Hadden, who represents the area where the shooting occurred, implied in a video that Gorman might have inadvertently startled Medina-Medina and was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.