A chilling dissonance hangs over Loyola University Chicago. Just days after the tragic death of freshman Sheridan Gorman, allegedly at the hands of an individual who had been released into the country, the university’s student newspaper, the Loyola Phoenix, continues to operate an Immigration and Customs Enforcement tracker.
The tracker, launched last October, actively solicits tips from the public regarding ICE activity, aiming to map agent sightings. Prominently displayed on the newspaper’s Instagram, it’s presented as a vital tool for documenting ICE movements during a “historic time,” promising verification of all submitted information.
Eighteen-year-old Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot while with friends near the Loyola campus in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood on March 19th. Authorities have identified Jose Medina-Medina, a 25-year-old from Venezuela, as the alleged shooter.
Details emerging from the Department of Homeland Security reveal Medina-Medina was apprehended by Border Patrol in May 2023, and subsequently released into the United States under current administration policies. This information initially appeared in coverage by the Loyola Phoenix.
However, the newspaper swiftly found itself embroiled in controversy after facing criticism for its use of the terms “illegal immigrant” and “immigrant” in its initial reporting. Activists challenged the language, arguing it was insensitive and harmful.
In a striking move, the editorial staff issued a lengthy apology and revised the article, removing any mention of Medina-Medina’s immigration status. An extensive editor’s note explained the decision, stating the original headline and language “didn’t reflect the most important elements” and caused harm.
The note explicitly stated, “No human’s existence is illegal,” and acknowledged the power of language, expressing deep regret for the initial errors. The newspaper affirmed its commitment to journalistic standards and community values.
Gorman’s death has ignited a fierce political debate, with her family and officials condemning Chicago and Illinois for their limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The family’s grief is compounded by a demand for accountability.
In a poignant letter to Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Gorman family implored them to move beyond labeling Sheridan’s death a “senseless tragedy.” They emphasized the profound loss of a vibrant young life and demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her murder.
“What happened to Sheridan cannot be reduced to a ‘senseless tragedy,’” the family wrote. “She was our daughter. She was 18 years old…She should be here.” They insist on leadership that confronts difficult truths and prevents future tragedies.
The juxtaposition of the ICE tracker’s continued operation and the newspaper’s sensitivity surrounding immigration terminology raises profound questions about priorities and the complexities of reporting in a politically charged environment.
