Joe Abraham, the father of Katie Abraham, whose daughter was killed by an illegal immigrant in Illinois, joined Illinois Democratic Alderman Raymond Lopez to sharply criticize the state’s and Chicago’s sanctuary city policies, arguing they have enabled preventable tragedies.
Abraham, who has spoken out against sanctuary policies since his daughter’s death, warned that without change, more innocent lives would be lost. He stated that current leaders in Illinois have proven they cannot handle the situation, citing the combination of immigration laws with “no process, no guardrails, no safety guards.” He added that these leaders have “botched this on both victims” and that the only solution is to vote them out and bring in “new blood.”
The discussion followed the recent murder charge against Jose Medina, an individual in the country illegally, in the killing of another young woman, Sheridan Gorman, who was shot while walking down the street in Chicago with her friend. Medina had previously been arrested for shoplifting in Chicago and was released afterward. Abraham referenced his own daughter’s case alongside this incident as examples of the dangers posed by current policies.
Alderman Raymond Lopez extended his sincere condolences to Abraham and the Gorman family, as well as to the families of 1,272 others who have experienced tragedy at the hands of dangerous non-citizens in Illinois. He stressed that not all non-citizens are dangerous but argued that the city and state’s approach is flawed.
Lopez recounted that in January 2025, he and others attempted to amend Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance. However, 39 of 50 colleagues voted no, with the message that the city believes in being “open and welcoming to everyone regardless of where they come from or what they do once they are here.” Lopez called this the “wrong thing to say” and the “wrong message,” emphasizing that the focus should be on welcoming people who want to make the city, state, and country better. He warned that giving open access regardless of intentions is “exceedingly dangerous” and that the city and state “cannot continue down this path.”
On cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Lopez agreed it is “very common sense” that when individuals are arrested for dangerous criminal acts, local authorities should be able to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) partners, particularly for violent criminal aliens. He noted that he had wanted to create such cooperation in Chicago because that was the law two mayors ago, but a different set of politicians with different values now allow sympathies to be “overrun by individuals who simply don’t care about this country or its values.” Lopez criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for making a mockery of the issue, including comments about abolishing ICE.
Abraham testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee the day prior to the discussion. He said his message was not heard by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, who was on the committee and did not say one word despite Abraham’s presence as a lifelong Illinois constituent. Abraham expressed that Durbin “completely and utterly disrespects Katie’s life and death,” calling it appalling and disgusting. He stated Durbin is “not worthy of any” further comment and was glad the senator is retiring after 30 years, adding that anyone he endorses “ought to be rejected right off the bat.”
Lopez was noted as one of the few who has acknowledged Katie’s life and death. Abraham argued that the issues extend beyond just criminals who have committed acts after arrival, saying the entire immigration system under the Biden-Harris administration needs re-evaluation “right from the get-go.” He emphasized it cannot just target the worst offenders at the top but must address the broader situation to prevent future harm.
The conversation highlighted ongoing debates over sanctuary policies in Illinois and Chicago, with both men calling for accountability and a shift in approach to prioritize public safety.
