Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is doubling down on protecting illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement just days after the killing of 18-year-old college student Sheridan Gorman, for which an illegal immigrant from Venezuela is in custody.
On Wednesday, Johnson unveiled a city snowplow named “Abolish ICE” and addressed reporters about the city’s ongoing efforts to push back against the Trump administration’s efforts to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants, particularly those who have committed violent crimes.
“This name derives from our city’s legacy of standing up for justice, dignity, and the rights of all people, no matter where they come from,” Johnson said as he stood in front of the vehicle. “I want to take this moment to reiterate that Chicago does not want ICE on our streets, in our airports, nor in our city. Chicago believes in abolishing ICE.”
During the event, one individual interrupted the mayor, accusing him of celebrating harm carried out by illegal immigrants. The man was escorted away by members of Johnson’s security team.
Johnson also addressed the recent killing of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University student who was shot and killed on March 19 while out with friends. Jose Medina, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, has been charged in the case. Despite the incident, Johnson signaled he would continue opposing federal deportation efforts.
“I’m going to continue to use every single tool that’s available to me to protect the residents of the city of Chicago,” Johnson said. “This tragedy is not going to deter us from our work. In fact, it’s going to challenge us all to double down on our efforts to ensure that we are protecting every single individual across neighborhoods.”
The Department of Homeland Security said Sunday that ICE had lodged a detainer request, urging Illinois officials not to release Medina from custody.
“Sheridan Gorman had her whole life ahead of her before this cold-blooded killer decided to end her life. She was failed by open border policies and sanctuary politicians who RELEASED this illegal alien TWICE before he went on to commit this heinous murder,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago’s sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail back into American neighborhoods.”
