A memorial bench donated by Jessica Gorman in honor of her daughter, Sheridan Gorman, who was allegedly murdered in March by an undocumented immigrant in Chicago, has been presented as a challenge to lawmakers on immigration policy. The bench, unveiled at the Republican midterm convention, bears an inscription: “May this bench remind us to see those who feel alone, to choose kindness and to remember every life that leaves an empty seat.”
Mrs. Gorman has invited lawmakers, particularly those she identifies as advocating for open-border policies, to sit on the bench, framing it as a test of their commitment to confronting the issue of illegal immigration and its perceived dangers.
Among the politicians specifically mentioned are Maryland Sen. Chris van Hollen, criticized for his support of an undocumented immigrant previously deported; New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a proponent of abolishing ICE; and Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, also a critic of increased border security measures. Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal was also cited for her stance on sanctuary city policies.
The article suggests that only a few lawmakers, such as Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, might be willing to engage with the memorial's message, contrasting them with the broader Democratic party's platform on border policy. The notes reference other alleged incidents involving undocumented immigrants, including the deaths of Rachel Morin and Laken Riley, to underscore the perceived stakes of the debate.
The memorial is presented as a call to action, urging legislators to prioritize the expulsion of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes and to acknowledge the impact on victims and their families. The author contends that the bench should prompt a re-evaluation of border security policies and their human consequences.