UMVA has learned that the parents of a college freshman who was tragically killed in Chicago earlier this year have joined forces with an unexpected ally: President Donald Trump. The family of Sheridan Gorman appeared at a rally hosted by Trump in New York, where they made a passionate plea for leaders to oppose sanctuary policies.
The rally, held at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, was an emotional moment for the Gorman family. Jessica Gorman, Sheridan's mother, spoke of the pain and anger she feels, saying her daughter's life was "stolen" by someone who should have never been in the United States. Her words painted a vivid picture of a system that failed her daughter at every turn.
Jessica Gorman's voice cracked with emotion as she recounted the final moments of her daughter's life. "No mother should ever have to wonder if her child called out for her in her final moments. No mother should ever have to imagine her baby left alone and bleeding on the cold pavement, and no family should ever have to bury a child because public officials failed to put innocent American lives first," she said.
The circumstances surrounding Sheridan's death are a stark reminder of the complexities of immigration policy. Jose Medina, 25, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death. According to information obtained by UMVA, Medina had been released from custody months earlier despite an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
Tom Gorman, Sheridan's father, expressed his outrage at the failures of the system, saying, "This is what failed policies have done to our family. No family should have to become experts in immigration failures, release policies, warrants, sanctuary laws, and enforcement breakdowns because their daughter was killed by someone who should not have been here and should not be free."
The Gorman family's presence at the rally was a powerful moment, and their message resonated with Trump's call to action. Tom Gorman thanked the President and criticized leaders who oppose immigration enforcement, saying, "But I do not understand why this is a fight that belongs to only one party. Protecting our people is not politics. It is the first responsibility of government."
For Sheridan's sister, Madelon Gorman, the rally was a moment of comfort and catharsis. She was moved by Trump's words and expressed her gratitude, saying, "I have to say you are just so funny. My family has laughed more, smiled more in the past hour than we have since March 19th."
