Operation Midway Blitz: A Father’s Tribute

When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) discussed honoring my daughter Katie through Operation Midway Blitz, I had my doubts. It felt important to me that her name would be visible. But after talking with them and learning more about the operation’s goals—enforcing laws meant to protect families like mine and sharing Katie’s tragic story—I felt that her death could serve a purpose.

Katie was brutally murdered on January 19, 2025, in a way that no parent should ever have to endure. She was simply sitting in a car at a red light when an illegal alien, driving recklessly—about 130 km/h—slammed into the back of her vehicle. The driver, Julio Cucurbor, a Guatemalan who entered the country by pretending to be Mexican, took from us a vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her.

What made that night even more horrifying was how he fled the scene without a second thought. He didn’t stop to help or even check on those he had injured or killed. It was a selfish and cowardly act, leaving others to deal with the destruction he had caused.

This speaks volumes about a man who should never have been allowed in our country.

DHS Operation Midway Blitz

It seems straightforward: if this man hadn’t been allowed into the country against federal law, he wouldn’t have taken the path that led to my daughter’s death. If Illinois had real leadership that prioritized public safety over politics, perhaps, just perhaps, Katie would still be with us.

I’ve been saying for quite some time that it’s much easier to prevent tragedies than to deal with the aftermath. An ounce of prevention, they say, is worth a pound of cure. I have repeatedly called on Illinois politicians to explain how they plan to reconcile open borders and sanctuary policies with actual public safety. Their silence? It was deafening.

So, I kept asking: after opening the backdoor to everyone, what safeguards were in place? Who ensured our communities were safe? Who was monitoring where newcomers were going and how they were being supported?

Community Safety Concerns

Rather than showing compassion or foresight, Illinois leaders seem to have encouraged illegal immigration. It sends the risky message that anyone can come here without consequences. That’s just not mercy; it’s cruelty. There appears to be no concern for public safety or empathy for the struggles faced by those making dangerous choices to cross the border.

After Katie’s death, I spoke with numerous DHS and ICE agents in Chicago. I also had a lengthy conversation with ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons about how open border policies are disrupting communities. The contrast was striking. I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism and dedication of these agents. They’re not the villains that some politicians and activists paint them to be. They are committed individuals striving to restore order after years of neglect. Each one I met was competent and focused on community safety.

It makes me wonder if those criticizing ICE have ever actually taken the time to meet these agents. I think they might see what I saw: dedicated Americans committed to making our neighborhoods safer.

Lack of Political Accountability

Sadly, Illinois politicians have shown little compassion. Ignoring Katie’s story seems to be more about political survival than recognizing their policies’ failures. It appears that preserving census numbers or congressional seats is prioritized over protecting innocent lives.

Katie lost her life in their flawed game of Russian Roulette. We lost not just her but the future she could have had, including marriage and children. I will never have the chance to walk her down the aisle or cradle her children. These are the real impacts of failed leadership.

Current Illinois politicians should feel ashamed and step down from public office. That’s why I support Operation Midway Blitz. It’s time to bring accountability back to our immigration system, prioritizing the safety of American citizens over political maneuverings. It’s time to honor Katie with actions, not just words.