Parents of Sheridan Gorman Advocate Against Sanctuary Policies at Trump Rally
The parents of Sheridan Gorman, a college freshman who was tragically killed in Chicago this year, attended a rally in New York hosted by former President Donald Trump. They urged leaders to oppose sanctuary policies, asserting that the fight to protect children should transcend political boundaries.
At Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, Trump introduced Gorman’s family. Jessica Gorman expressed deep sorrow, stating that her daughter’s life had been “stolen” by an individual who was unlawfully present in the United States. She lamented, “At every opportunity, the system had a chance to intervene and failed, resulting in my daughter’s death.”
On March 19, Gorman, 18, who was studying at Loyola University Chicago, was shot while walking along the lakefront pier at Toby Prinz Beach with friends. A masked man ambushed her from behind a lighthouse.
The alleged shooter, Jose Medina, 25, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was arrested the following day and charged with first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Medina had been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody several months prior, despite being in active detention.
In 2023, U.S. Border Patrol arrested Medina, only to release him shortly thereafter. He was arrested again later in the year for shoplifting, but was released once more. Tom Gorman reflected on his daughter’s death, saying, “This is the consequence of failed policies. No family should have to navigate the complexities of immigration law because their loved one was killed by someone who shouldn’t have been here.”
Just days after Sheridan’s death, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, known for his opposition to Trump, revealed a snowplow named “Abolish ICE,” a move that angered the Gorman family. Jessica Gorman expressed her frustration during an interview, remarking, “It was infuriating to see them naming trucks and joking while we were grieving and waiting to retrieve my daughter’s body.”
During the rally, Tom Gorman expressed gratitude to Trump while criticizing political leaders who resist immigration enforcement measures. He questioned why this issue seems to be politicized, asserting, “Protecting our citizens should not be a partisan issue; it is the government’s fundamental responsibility.”
Despite the ongoing political disputes surrounding immigration policies, the Gorman family’s tragedy has resonated deeply, with many sympathizing with their plight. After the rally, Sheridan’s sister, Madelon Gorman, expressed that the event provided them with some comfort, noting, “We have shared more laughter and smiles in the past hour than we have since March 19.”
