Illinois Governor Blames Trump for Student's Murder by Illegal Immigrant

Pritzker claims Trump administration should focus on "real solutions" instead of "politicizing heinous tragedies"

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:08am

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is attempting to blame former President Donald Trump for the murder of college student Sheridan Gorman by an illegal immigrant living in Chicago's "amnesty zone". Pritzker claims the Trump administration should stop "politicizing heinous tragedies" and instead focus on "real solutions" to prevent such violence. However, critics argue Pritzker's policies of shielding illegal immigrants from deportation have contributed to rising crime in the state.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing political debate over immigration policies and their impact on public safety. Pritzker's attempt to shift blame to Trump raises questions about his own responsibility in creating an environment that allows illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes to avoid deportation.

The details

An illegal immigrant from Venezuela, Jose Medina-Medina, has been arrested for the murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, a student at Loyola University, during a walk along the Chicago lakeshore. Medina-Medina had previously been arrested and released twice before the murder, under the policies of the Biden administration. Chicago and Illinois have adopted laws creating "amnesty zones" that shield illegal immigrants from deportation, even after some are accused of violent crimes against citizens.

  • On May 9, 2023, Medina-Medina was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and released into the country under the policies set by the Biden administration.
  • On June 19, 2023, Medina-Medina was arrested for shoplifting in Chicago, Illinois, and then released again.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who is attempting to blame former President Donald Trump for the murder of Sheridan Gorman by an illegal immigrant.

Jose Medina-Medina

A Venezuelan illegal immigrant who has been arrested for the murder of Sheridan Gorman in Chicago.

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old college student at Loyola University who was murdered while walking along the Chicago lakeshore.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump administration needs to stop politicizing heinous tragedies and instead focus on real solutions, like reinstating federal funds to prevent violence that support our public safety efforts.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

What’s next

It is unclear if Governor Pritzker will hand over the alleged murderer, Jose Medina-Medina, to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies and their impact on public safety. While Pritzker attempts to shift blame to the Trump administration, critics argue his own policies of shielding illegal immigrants from deportation have contributed to rising crime in Illinois, including the tragic murder of Sheridan Gorman.