Chicago, IL – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the tragic killing of 18-year-old Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman, who was allegedly shot and killed by Jose Medina, an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, on Thursday near Tobey Prinz Beach. Medina, 25, was arrested on Friday after a police investigation tied him to the crime.
The shooting has sparked a debate about the city’s immigration policies, particularly regarding the Welcoming City Ordinance, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The policies have been in place for decades, with the Welcoming City Ordinance being enacted under Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, in 1985.
Mayor Johnson Responds to Calls for Apology
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Johnson was asked if he would apologize for the city’s immigration policies, especially in light of the fact that Medina, an undocumented immigrant, was able to remain in the U.S. and allegedly commit the crime.
“I believe we are all grieving the loss of Sheridan and others who have lost their lives due to senseless violence,” Johnson responded. “The Safe-T Act and the Welcoming City Ordinance were passed long before my time, and these policies were designed to keep communities safe and encourage cooperation with local law enforcement.”
While Johnson expressed his condolences to the Gorman family, he did not directly address whether he would apologize for the immigration policies in question. He emphasized that the policies in place were not solely responsible for the tragedy but reflected deeper systemic issues in national immigration policy.
“I have not spoken to the Gorman family yet, but I plan to do so,” Johnson added. “There are no words that can console a family that lost a child, and my heartfelt condolences go out to them.”
The Shooting Incident
Sheridan Gorman was walking with friends near Tobey Prinz Beach in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago when she was shot and killed. Medina, who had reportedly been living at a city-sponsored shelter for migrants, was identified as the suspect after a police investigation that included video surveillance and witness statements.
According to the police, Medina was seen leaving the scene of the crime with a distinct limp, which led to his identification.
Medina had been previously apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol in May 2023 but was released into the U.S. under the Biden administration’s immigration policies, which have faced scrutiny for allowing undocumented immigrants to stay in the country.
Family’s Disappointment with Immigration Policies
The Gorman family expressed their disappointment in the policies that they believe allowed Medina to remain in the U.S., making it possible for him to commit the crime. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the family said, “We are gravely disappointed by the policies and failures that allowed this individual to remain in a position to commit this crime.
When systems fail—whether through release decisions, lack of coordination, or unwillingness to act—the consequences are not abstract. They are real. And in our case, they are permanent.”
The family has also raised concerns about the broader immigration system, emphasizing the need for reforms that address the failures they believe contributed to the tragedy.
Mayor Johnson’s Call for Accountability
In response to a question about President Donald Trump’s criticism of Chicago’s policies, Johnson took the opportunity to criticize the president for his refusal to take responsibility for his actions. “He points the finger at everything and everyone else, instead of doing some real self-reflection on what his responsibility is,” Johnson said.
The shooting has put the spotlight on Chicago’s immigration policies once again, and the debate is likely to continue as officials and residents seek answers on how to balance public safety with the treatment of undocumented immigrants.
