Father Seeks Answers from Illinois Governor Regarding Daughter’s Death

Joe Abraham is looking for explanations from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker about why his daughter died, although he isn’t holding his breath for a response anytime soon.

Abraham’s 20-year-old daughter, Katie, tragically lost her life last year after a drunk driver, an illegal immigrant named Julio Cucurbor, crashed into her car. Cucurbor, who hails from Guatemala and used a Mexican alias, had previously been deported but managed to return to Illinois.

Pritzker recently referred to a separate incident, where an ICE officer shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, as a “tragedy” and called for the resignation or impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem due to her handling of the situation. However, Abraham expressed frustration that Pritzker did not reach out to him when his daughter was killed and treated him with disregard.

“He was part of our community, yet there was no oversight, no checks, nothing. And he clearly didn’t know how to behave in our community. He didn’t speak English and had no education,” Abraham explained.

“It’s clear that Pritzker shows passion for certain individuals, but there’s none for Katie,” Abraham added, feeling disrespected by the governor’s silence since her death while visiting a friend in Urbana, near the University of Illinois.

Cucurbor was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the hit-and-run that took Katie’s life, along with 21-year-old Chloe Polzin. He was arrested in Texas with fake identification and a counterfeit Social Security card.

Abraham noted his surprise at Pritzker’s public remarks following the Minnesota incident, contrasting them with the silence surrounding Katie’s death. He felt he received no empathy, only neglect. “Katie was completely disregarded. You’d think he would engage with those impacted by his policies, but there was nothing for us,” he lamented.

Blaming Pritzker’s sanctuary policies for the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death, Abraham recalled being in the same room as the governor during a 2025 legislative hearing. Yet, Pritzker didn’t acknowledge him at all.

“I was very naive,” Abraham admitted. “He knew I was there, yet there was no conversation. I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll get to share my perspective’—but that wasn’t the case.”

“I hoped he’d say something like, ‘Joe, things are chaotic, and we need to correct this,’ but I was simply ignored,” he continued, expressing disappointment that Pritzker didn’t even take a moment to engage during the lengthy meeting.

Reflecting on that moment, Abraham told his wife, “They don’t want anything to do with us. This doesn’t serve their narrative,” prompting him to consider speaking out publicly.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has initiated Operation Midway Blitz in memory of Katie Abraham, with President Donald Trump acknowledging her legacy, which represents some positive note amidst the tragedy.

In light of the recent events surrounding Good’s death, Abraham penned a letter to Pritzker, seeking clarity on multiple issues. He questioned how an undocumented individual who couldn’t speak English obtained a driver’s license and purchased a vehicle, whether sanctuary policies contributed to Cucurbor’s presence in Illinois, and why he felt “set up to fail” by the state.

“I don’t expect a response from him. I doubt he cares about Illinois residents or wishes to discuss Katie’s case specifically. His disinterest is clear,” Abraham stated, labeling Pritzker as neither compassionate nor caring.

Fox News Digital reached out to Pritzker’s office for confirmation regarding the letter and to obtain comments on Abraham’s grievances. Pritzker’s office did acknowledge receipt of the inquiry, stating their interest in understanding Katie’s story and legacy, providing links to articles discussing her mother’s opposition to her being the figurehead of Operation Midway Blitz.

The governor’s office has not commented further as of now. “Regardless of what Katie’s mother says, I’m a citizen and I’m looking for answers. She’s my daughter too,” Abraham concluded.