NY Lawmaker Condemns 'Broken' Immigration System After Venezuelan Migrant Charged in Teen's Murder

Sheridan Gorman, 18, was shot and killed while walking with friends in Chicago, sparking outrage over immigration policies.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A New York state lawmaker has slammed the country's 'clearly broken' immigration system after a 25-year-old Venezuelan national was arrested on suspicion of murdering an 18-year-old Loyola College freshman from the lawmaker's district. Sheridan Gorman was shot in the head while walking along the Chicago lakefront with friends, and the suspect had entered the US three years prior to the alleged crime.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has reignited the debate around immigration reform, with the lawmaker arguing that the system is 'endangering innocent American citizens' by allowing potentially dangerous individuals to enter the country. The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the need to address perceived gaps in the immigration system.

The details

According to authorities, the 25-year-old Venezuelan suspect was arrested and charged with Gorman's murder. The suspect had entered the US three years ago, raising questions about how he was able to remain in the country and allegedly commit such a violent crime.

  • Sheridan Gorman, 18, was shot and killed at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2026 while walking along the Chicago lakefront with friends.
  • The 25-year-old Venezuelan national suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.

The players

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old Loyola College freshman from Yorktown Heights, New York who was tragically killed in the shooting.

Matt Slater

A New York state assemblyman who represents Yorktown Heights and condemned the 'clearly broken' immigration system in the wake of Gorman's murder.

25-year-old Venezuelan national

The suspect arrested and charged with Sheridan Gorman's murder, who had entered the US three years prior to the alleged crime.

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What they’re saying

“Our immigration system is clearly broken and endangering innocent American citizens. No one should be a victim of a system that fails on multiple levels.”

— Matt Slater, New York State Assemblyman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the suspect's bail status in the coming days, which could further inflame the debate around immigration reform and public safety.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the US immigration system to address perceived vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of American citizens. Policymakers will likely face increased pressure to enact reforms that balance compassion for migrants with robust security measures.