Teen’s tragic killing by illegal immigrant becomes flashpoint in battle for control of Congress

The killing of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman has become an issue in a close congressional race in suburban New York, after her parents challenged the candidates over sanctuary policies. They argue that cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities could have prevented her death, making the case part of a wider debate over immigration enforcement and control of Congress.

Gorman was shot near her Chicago university campus in March. The Department of Homeland Security says the accused, Venezuelan national Jose Medina, entered the US illegally in May 2023, was released, and was later arrested for shoplifting before being released again. Republican incumbent Mike Lawler supports ending sanctuary policies, while Democrat Cait Conley called Gorman’s death an inexcusable government failure and said enforcement should focus on violent criminals; the supplied article text ends mid-sentence.