Dem Senators Dodge Questions on Illegal Immigrant Accused of Killing Chicago Student

Republican senators condemn policies that allowed the suspect to remain in the country, while Democrats avoid the issue.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:38am

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In the wake of the murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, Republican senators have been quick to condemn the policies that allowed the illegal immigrant suspect to remain in the country. However, Democratic senators have dodged questions on whether Gorman's alleged killer should have been deported prior to the incident.

Why it matters

This case has reignited the debate over immigration policy and the handling of undocumented individuals accused of violent crimes. The differing responses from Republican and Democratic lawmakers highlight the partisan divide on these issues.

The details

Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old college student, was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant earlier this month in Chicago. Republican senators, such as Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida, have publicly criticized the policies that they believe allowed the suspect to remain in the country despite a history of previous offenses. In contrast, Democratic senators have avoided directly addressing whether the suspect should have been deported prior to the incident.

  • Sheridan Gorman was killed earlier this month in Chicago.
  • Republican senators have condemned the policies that allowed the suspect to remain in the country since the incident.

The players

Ted Cruz

A Republican senator from Texas who has criticized the policies that allowed the suspect to remain in the country.

Rick Scott

A Republican senator from Florida who has also condemned the policies that allowed the suspect to remain in the country.

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old college student who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to commit violent crimes in our communities when they should have been deported.”

— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator

“Policies that allow illegal immigrants with criminal histories to remain in the country are unacceptable and put innocent lives at risk.”

— Rick Scott, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The case is currently under investigation, and authorities are expected to provide updates on the suspect's immigration status and any prior offenses.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has reignited the debate over immigration policy and the handling of undocumented individuals accused of violent crimes. The differing responses from Republican and Democratic lawmakers highlight the ongoing partisan divide on these issues.