The illegal immigrant accused of killing 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago last month had previously been flagged by the Biden administration as “likely” to run before federal authorities released him into the country, according to newly released documents from the House Judiciary Committee.
Venezuelan national Jose Medina, 25, unlawfully crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in May 2023 during a period when the Biden administration was releasing thousands of illegal crossers each day under its catch-and-release policies. Before setting the illegal immigrant free, Border Patrol agents noted that Medina was “likely to abscond,” citing that he had “close family ties or roots in this country,” the documents show.
The agents also noted that Medina didn’t make any asylum claims, writing that he did not “fear harm or persecution” if returned to Venezuela.
“Democrats knew this man was dangerous and had no legitimate asylum claim. But they still released him,” House Judiciary Committee Republicans wrote in an X post.
Nearly three years later, Medina allegedly shot and killed Gorman, a freshman attending Loyola University, as she was walking with friends to see the Northern Lights.
Democrats knew this man was dangerous and had no legitimate asylum claim.
But they still released him. pic.twitter.com/LQxcBcXKhG
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) April 14, 2026
Before the killing, Medina had been charged in a June 2023 shoplifting incident at a Chicago Macy’s, according to the Chicago Tribune. A warrant was issued for Medina’s arrest after he failed to appear for his hearing in that case.
In an earlier statement, Gorman’s family said Medina should never have been out on the streets.
“We are gravely disappointed by the policies and failures that allowed this individual to remain in a position to commit this crime,” they said. “When systems fail — whether through release decisions, lack of coordination, or unwillingness to act — the consequences are not abstract. They are real. And in our case, they are permanent.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer request with local authorities, though it is not expected to be honored under Illinois sanctuary policies.
“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,” Acting Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Lauren Bis said in an earlier statement.
“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,” Bis added.
Medina faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder in the first degree, three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.