Jessica Gorman, mother of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, who was fatally shot in Chicago by an undocumented immigrant, directly addressed lawmakers Tuesday, demanding they explain why “people here illegally matter more” than American citizens. Her testimony came during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing focused on sanctuary policies.
Sheridan Gorman, a freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was killed in March. Her mother recounted her daughter’s compassionate nature, describing her as someone who always looked out for lonely classmates. Gorman stated that her daughter, who lived her life ensuring others felt seen, was failed by those entrusted with public safety.
Gorman challenged politicians, including sanctuary city officials, to sit with her, take her hand, and look her in the eye to explain their priorities. "Explain why sanctuary policies matter more than my Sheridan's life. Explain why cooperation with ICE was too much to ask for, but asking our American parents to bury our children is somehow acceptable," Gorman said.
The man charged in Sheridan Gorman’s murder, Jose Medina, is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who Gorman stated had a prior arrest and an outstanding warrant before her daughter's death. She emphasized that her daughter's story, not the alleged perpetrator's, was the focus.
The hearing debated whether jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities increase public risk. Republicans argued that such policies enable the release of undocumented immigrants with criminal records back into communities instead of transferring them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democrats countered that these policies foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., chair of the subcommittee, stated Republicans would continue to highlight victims' families until sanctuary policies are addressed. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., criticized the hearing's focus on sanctuary cities, suggesting instead an examination of past immigration enforcement policies.
Gorman told the lawmakers that her daughter’s death compelled her to become an advocate, despite her personal disposition. "I’m a lover, not a fighter. I’m not a public speaker. I’m not someone who ever speaks out about things. I have to," she said.