Chicago Mayor Calls for End to 'Assaults Against Immigrants' After Student's Murder

Mayor Brandon Johnson's comments come less than 10 days after the killing of Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman, allegedly by an illegal immigrant released under Biden administration policies.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:56am

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In the wake of the murder of 18-year-old Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman, allegedly by an illegal immigrant released under the Biden administration, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has called for an end to 'assaults against immigrants.' The mayor's remarks came during a protest, where he criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Why it matters

Gorman's murder has reignited the debate over sanctuary city policies in Chicago and Illinois, which have shielded illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. The mayor's comments defending immigrants have drawn criticism from those who argue the policies contributed to the tragedy.

The details

According to police, on March 19, Sheridan Gorman was walking with friends near a Chicago beach when 25-year-old Venezuelan illegal immigrant Jose Medina-Medina, wearing a mask, allegedly approached the group and started shooting. Gorman was shot in the back and killed. Medina-Medina had been apprehended crossing the border in 2023 but was released into the U.S. under the Biden administration's catch-and-release policies. He was later arrested for shoplifting in Chicago but was not turned over to ICE due to the city and state's sanctuary policies.

  • On March 19, 2026, Sheridan Gorman was killed.
  • Less than 10 days after Gorman's murder, Mayor Johnson made his comments at a protest.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The Democratic mayor of Chicago who called for an end to 'assaults against immigrants' in the wake of Sheridan Gorman's murder.

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago freshman who was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant in March 2026.

Jose Medina-Medina

A 25-year-old Venezuelan illegal immigrant who was arrested and charged with Sheridan Gorman's murder. He had been released into the U.S. under the Biden administration's policies.

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What they’re saying

“We have to end the assaults against immigrants.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

What’s next

The judge in Medina-Medina's case will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

Gorman's murder has reignited the debate over sanctuary city policies in Chicago, with the mayor defending immigrants while critics argue the policies contributed to the tragedy. This case highlights the ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and public safety.