Father of Shooting Victim Calls for Change in Immigration Policies

The father of a 20-year-old woman who was tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant in Illinois has voiced urgent concerns that many more innocent lives could be at risk unless there are significant policy changes following the death of Sheridan Gorman.

Gorman, an 18-year-old freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was fatally shot on March 19 while spending time with friends at the Rogers Park pier. The alleged shooter, 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina, is reported to have entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and was allegedly apprehended and then released under the current administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

At a court hearing on Friday, details emerged that Gorman stumbled upon Medina-Medina hiding behind a lighthouse. Upon alerting her friends, Medina-Medina allegedly pursued them, firing a shot that hit Gorman in the back.

Joe Abraham’s daughter, Katie, was also a victim of an illegal immigrant’s reckless actions in January 2025 when she lost her life in a hit-and-run incident. Julio Cucurbor, the undocumented immigrant responsible, was sentenced to 30 years for the crime.

Abraham asserted that the violent deaths of both Gorman and his daughter spotlight how urgent a reform in Illinois’ immigration policies is. “I believe there will be additional victims if changes aren’t made,” he stated, and expressed concern that existing policies are overly lenient.

He drew parallels between the cases, pointing out that both incidents involved individuals “who shouldn’t have been here.” His daughter’s killer had ongoing health issues that went unaddressed by the state, raising concerns about the broader implications of these situations.

Abraham fondly described his daughter as a vibrant individual, emphasizing her love for water sports, charm, and warmth. “Katie made everyone feel valued,” he recalled, understandably shaken by the loss. “She had so many dreams, and we were all excited about her future.”

The aftermath of Gorman’s killing has sparked intense discussions regarding safety and immigration, with several officials noticing a disturbing trend in violence linked to undocumented individuals. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the shooting seemed premeditated, as Medina-Medina was allegedly seen waiting at an elevator shortly after the incident.

Police have been active in their investigation, and a photo identifying Medina-Medina was circulated among law enforcement, leading to his identification as the suspect. This ongoing situation has left many in the community grappling with fear and confusion about future safety measures.

As the families of the victims continue to mourn, the spotlight on immigration policy and public safety remains, sparking a necessary conversation that many believe is long overdue.