Teen's Killing by Alleged Undocumented Immigrant Ignites Political Clash in NY House Race
The parents of slain Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman confronted candidates over sanctuary policies, turning the election into a flashpoint over immigration enforcement.
The fatal shooting of a college student, allegedly by an undocumented immigrant previously deported from the U.S., has escalated into a central issue in a competitive House election in suburban New York.
Sheridan Gorman's parents directly addressed Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley during a debate, questioning their stances on New York State's law that restricts local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University student, was killed in March while walking with friends near her Chicago campus. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the accused, Jose Medina, as a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally in May 2023 and was released by the prior administration. DHS stated that Medina was arrested for shoplifting in Chicago the following month but was again released. Both Chicago and Illinois are designated sanctuary jurisdictions, preventing local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE.
Lawler, seeking a third term in New York's 17th Congressional District, has framed Gorman's death as an example of the potential consequences of Democratic policies on immigration enforcement. He argued that a Democratic victory could lead to a return to what he described as lax policies.
"I think the challenge here will be if Democrats win they will do everything they can to return to the Biden-era of lax immigration policy, lax enforcement, and try to cut off the resources of ICE and [Border Patrol], and I for one just will not support that," Lawler told Fox News Digital. He also stated his support for reforms within ICE, including the use of body cameras and uniforms, and for states like New York to cooperate with federal authorities to deport individuals who are in the country illegally.
During the debate, Gorman's parents recounted their tragedy. "The man charged with her murder was here illegally and had previously been arrested for a crime and released under Chicago's sanctuary policies," Sheridan's father stated. "A simple five-second phone call between local and federal law enforcement would have saved her life."
Conley expressed her condolences, calling Gorman's death inexcusable and stating, "Government failed her." She affirmed the importance of immigration enforcement but criticized the current administration's focus, suggesting it targeted individuals like "grandmas and nurses" instead of violent criminals.
Lawler accused Conley of avoiding the core issue, asserting her support for New York Governor Kathy Hochul's policies and opposition to federal legislation ending sanctuary jurisdictions. "Let me be very clear: I stand with you. I am against Kathy Hochul disastrous new law, and I support any legislation that will end sanctuary jurisdictions in this country," Lawler declared.
Prior to the debate, the Gormans appeared with Lawler at the Republican Party's 2026 midterm convention. Lawler introduced them, stating, "They are not running for office but their story — Sheridan's story — is the direct result of bad policy. Policies we cannot afford to get back to every again."
Lawler's campaign has also featured Gorman's parents in new advertisements. In one ad, Sheridan's mother tearfully states, "The sanctuary policies being pushed by Kathy Hochul and Democrats killed our daughter." Her father added, "I couldn't protect her from these policies." Both parents indicated their support for Lawler, with the mother saying, "But Mike Lawler can."
Illegal immigration was a significant issue in the 2024 elections, and Republicans are aiming to leverage voter concerns regarding the Biden administration's border policies. Fox News Digital sought comment from Conley's campaign and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.