SouthernWorldwide.com – The mother of an 18-year-old college freshman, who was tragically killed in March by a criminal undocumented immigrant, directly challenged lawmakers on Tuesday. She implored them to look her in the eye and explain why “people here illegally matter more” than American citizens. Her emotional testimony was delivered during a congressional hearing focused on sanctuary policies.
Jessica Gorman, whose daughter Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot after going to the Chicago lakefront with friends to witness the Northern Lights, accused leaders and politicians of sanctuary cities of failing to protect her child. This accusation was made during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on sanctuary policies.
“I want you to imagine that little girl on the ‘buddy bench,’ that innocent college freshman with a heart full of compassion and a head full of dreams that was gunned down by an illegal immigrant,” Gorman stated. She continued, “I want you to imagine that was your daughter, not mine. What if she was yours?”
Gorman’s powerful remarks were prompted by a childhood story about Sheridan. Her daughter used to frequent the “buddy bench” during recess, always ready to offer comfort to classmates who felt lonely or excluded.
She expressed deep sorrow that her daughter, who dedicated her life to making others feel acknowledged, had been let down by those entrusted with her safety.
“I bring this back to the buddy bench. I think Congress needs one. Yes, I think every governor, every mayor, every sanctuary city official and politician shifting blame and interest, hiding behind their slogans and talking points should have to all sit on one,” Gorman declared. She then issued a direct challenge.
“I challenge you all to sit down with me. Take my hand, look me in the eye, and then explain to me, because I just don’t understand. Explain why people here illegally matter more than your American citizens. 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. Ask me — I need you to tell me.”
Gorman identified the individual accused of her daughter’s murder as Jose Medina. She stated that Medina is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who, in her words, “should not have even been in this country.” She further revealed that Medina had a prior criminal record and an active warrant before he was released onto the streets of Chicago.
“But this story is not about him,” Gorman emphasized to the lawmakers. “The story is about my Sheridan.”
The hearing’s central theme revolved around sanctuary policies and the potential risks they pose to Americans when jurisdictions limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Republicans argued that these policies permit criminal undocumented immigrants to be released back into communities rather than being handed over to ICE. Conversely, Democrats countered that such policies are crucial for maintaining trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., who presides over the subcommittee, commenced the hearing by asserting that Republicans would persist in bringing attention to the families of victims until sanctuary policies are “rectified.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the ranking member, extended her condolences to Gorman and another witness whose daughter was also killed. However, she criticized the hearing as the committee’s fourth on sanctuary cities, suggesting that Democrats should instead focus on examining the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
The hearing became contentious even before Gorman’s testimony. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., began introducing her, but was interrupted by Democrats who felt his remarks had strayed from an introduction into a broader speech on immigration policy.
Gorman later shared with lawmakers that she had never anticipated becoming a public advocate. However, she explained that her daughter’s tragic death compelled her to enter this fight.
“I’m a lover, not a fighter,” Gorman stated. “I’m not a public speaker. I’m not someone who ever speaks out about things. I have to.”
