Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the issue of violence against immigrants during the memorial service for Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student fatally shot on March 19. Johnson called for action to stop assaults on immigrant communities as Gorman was laid to rest in Yorktown Heights, New York, on Saturday.
Johnson’s remarks came amid heightened attention on Chicago’s immigration policies following the arrest of 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina. Authorities say Medina-Medina, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who entered the U.S. in 2023, allegedly killed Gorman early on March 19 near Loyola University.
Chicago’s response and ongoing debate
At a recent news conference, Johnson was questioned about whether he would apologize to Gorman’s family, given that Medina-Medina entered the country under current immigration policies. Johnson instead expressed condolences and emphasized that Gorman’s death is part of broader issues of senseless violence. He highlighted Chicago’s commitment to immigrant protection including executive orders restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city and referenced the longstanding “welcoming city ordinance,” enacted 40 years ago.
Johnson stated, “We have to end the assaults against immigrants,” urging civic engagement and participation in the democratic process to address such challenges. He also referenced the SAFE-T Act, a separate public safety law passed under a Republican governor, to clarify recent policy contexts.
Family demands justice and accountability
Gorman’s family has challenged Johnson’s framing of the tragedy, insisting the incident reflects more than random violence. In a public statement, they said Sheridan’s death should not be reduced to a “senseless tragedy” or used as a general talking point on public safety. They called for leadership that confronts difficult truths and prevents similar harm to others.
Jessica Gorman, Sheridan’s mother, expressed her grief and determination to fight for justice, emphasizing shared hopes for the safety and protection of all children. Their attorney, Thomas Tripodianos, said young people deserve to feel safe and demanded “real justice” in response to the killing.
Case developments
Prosecutors allege Medina-Medina was hiding behind a Rogers Park lighthouse when Gorman and her friends spotted him. After warning her group, Medina-Medina reportedly chased and fatally shot Gorman in the upper back. Following the attack, her friends fled and later found her unresponsive.
Medina-Medina remains in custody after a judge ordered him held without bail. His defense attorney has noted Medina-Medina’s severe brain injury sustained in Colombia, which they say impairs his cognitive abilities significantly, describing his brain development as that of a child and his inability to read or write.
Why it matters
Gorman’s death has intensified discussions about immigration policy, public safety, and city governance in Chicago. The mayor’s comments highlight ongoing tensions in balancing immigrant protections with concerns about violent crime. The case underscores challenges in managing undocumented immigrant populations and addressing community safety.
What to watch next
Authorities are proceeding with prosecution of Medina-Medina, and the legal process will determine accountability. Meanwhile, Gorman’s family and advocates continue to call for policy changes and stronger measures to ensure public safety, as Chicago navigates complex debates over immigration enforcement and community security.
Read more US News stories on Goka World News.