The mother of Sheridan Gorman, a student tragically killed in Chicago, has publicly condemned Democratic lawmakers who support sanctuary city policies, specifically criticizing several members for their behavior during a recent congressional hearing where she testified about her daughter's death.
Jessica Anne Gorman shared the story of her 18-year-old daughter, a Loyola University Chicago student, who died in March 2026. Her remarks were made during a gathering in Washington, D.C., attended by high-ranking Justice Department and administration officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, border czar Tom Homan, and drug czar Sara Carter. The event was held to honor individuals affected by violent crime.
Tragic Loss and Legal Proceedings
Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot while visiting friends near a pier and lighthouse in Chicago. Jose Medina, a Venezuelan national who had entered the United States without authorization and had previously been released following a shoplifting arrest in Chicago, faces charges in connection with her murder.
Testimony Met with Disregard
During her address, Jessica Gorman voiced her strong disapproval of Democratic legislators who advocate for policies that shield immigrants residing in the country unlawfully from federal immigration enforcement. She recalled her experience testifying at a House committee hearing focused on sanctuary policies, stating that she could discern laughter from some lawmakers as she spoke about the profound grief of losing her daughter.
"And I thought to myself, ‘Boy, the hits just keep on coming,’" Jessica Gorman recounted on Thursday.
She specifically highlighted comments made by Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington, who had noted during the hearing that it was the fourth session of its kind and that there were "many other things we could be doing."
"We were all insulted by Democrat Representative Jayapal telling me — literally telling me — and all the other angel families in the room ... with disdain on her face, that there's other things they could be doing except listening to four sessions," Jessica Gorman stated. "They give us five minutes to tell our daughter's story. Our dead children's story. She listened to four before mine. She didn't want to listen to another. And, honestly, I think she should listen to everyone in this room."
Gorman also alleged that Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, appeared to be sleeping during the proceedings.
Broader Critiques of the Justice System
Also speaking at the Washington D.C. event was Stephen Federico, the father of Logan Federico, who was killed while visiting friends at the University of South Carolina. Stephen Federico expressed deep frustration with the broader criminal justice system, extending beyond immigration-related issues.
Alexander Dickey, 30, a repeat offender with dozens of prior arrests, stands accused of shooting and killing Logan Federico during a home invasion.
"My daughter wasn't killed by an illegal alien," Stephen Federico declared. "She was killed by a home-grown American career criminal that we arrested 39 damn times. And he was on the street. Tell me that makes sense. Can anyone tell me, please, how a felon like that is left on the street. It's from fingerprint problems. It's from process problems. It's from weak judges. It's from weak prosecutors."
