Hearing Highlights Shortcomings of Sanctuary Policies

This week’s congressional hearings focused on sanctuary cities came to a halt as Republicans recounted failures linked to the recent murder of a U.S. teenager, allegedly by an undocumented immigrant. This prompted a strong reaction from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Justice, Security, and Enforcement conducted a Tuesday hearing that emphasized the experiences of victims affected by Democratic sanctuary policies in states like California and Illinois.

Although Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) is not a member, he was permitted to speak in order to introduce witness Jessica Gorman, a constituent of his.

Gorman’s daughter, Sheridan, a freshman at Loyola University, tragically lost her life on March 19 while walking in Chicago with a friend. The alleged assailant, Jose Medina-Medina, is accused of approaching the 18-year-old and fatally shooting her.

The Justice Department indicated that Medina-Medina, 25, charged with three counts of murder, attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon, is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. According to existing criminal charges, he was encountered by Border Patrol in the El Paso area in May 2023 and subsequently released into the U.S.

Lawler expressed his sentiments about Gorman’s presence at the hearing, stating she should be at home with her daughters rather than testifying in Congress.

While Lawler was advised to keep his comments brief, he aimed to highlight how lapses in immigration enforcement might have contributed to the tragedy and asserted that Congress owed the grieving mother an apology.

Republicans pushed to underscore instances where Medina-Medina could have faced deportation over Sheridan’s murder, but Raskin interrupted, stating Lawler’s comments were more of a speech than an introduction.

Lawler retorted that Raskin should feel ashamed, arguing that Gorman’s situation is tied to a failure in addressing sanctuary policies by some members. Following this exchange, there was a tense pause. Lawler then urged Raskin and other Democrats to reflect on their emotions concerning the matter.

Raskin responded with emotion, declaring that he understood the outrage. Lawler then countered that if Raskin truly felt that way, he wouldn’t back sanctuary jurisdictions.

Raskin, visibly frustrated, shouted back that Lawler didn’t belong on the committee.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the subcommittee’s ranking member, criticized Lawler’s remarks as an “outrageous rant,” claiming it breached an agreement allowing him to speak.

In written testimony, Gorman stated that her daughter would still be alive if the suspect hadn’t been allowed into the country and if Chicago’s sanctuary policy hadn’t permitted him to remain. She called on Congress to take action.

She concluded her testimony with a powerful plea for those in power to acknowledge her daughter’s story and honor her memory with action.