Brief
Parents of Chicago teen killed by illegal migrant press New York candidates on sanctuary law
The Gormans asked lawmakers whether they would support federal legislation to roll back New York’s sanctuary law after their daughter’s murder.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The parents of 18‑year‑old Sheridan Gorman, who was shot dead in Chicago on 19 March by an undocumented Venezuelan, called into a televised debate between Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley on Monday night. The call was made on News 12, the local cable channel, and the Gormans asked whether the candidates would back federal legislation to undo state sanctuary laws such as the one enacted by Gov. Kathy Hochul that limits cooperation between local police and ICE.
Conley told the Gormans that Sheridan’s murder was “inexcusable” but declined to say whether she would support repealing the sanctuary law. She added that she would remain “unwavering” on the safety of families and that “border security is national security.” Lawler, in turn, said he opposed the state law and would support a federal bill to end sanctuary jurisdictions. Both candidates pledged to help Haitian migrants whose temporary protected status was revoked by the Trump administration.
The debate came amid a tight race for New York’s 17th House district, a pivotal battleground for control of the U.S. House. Earlier this month, Rep. Lawler attacked Conley in a TV spot accusing her of profiting from AI data‑center contracts, while Conley’s campaign has called for a one‑year moratorium on new data centers.
Key facts
- Sheridan Gorman, 18, was shot dead in Chicago on 19 March by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant (nypost.com)
- The murder prompted parents Tom and Jessica Gorman to call into a New York congressional debate (nypost.com)
- Lawler said he would support federal legislation to end sanctuary laws, while Conley declined to say she would repeal New York’s law (nypost.com)
- Both candidates pledged to help Haitian migrants whose status was revoked by the Trump administration (nypost.com)
Background
The 17th district is a key swing seat in the House. Earlier coverage highlighted a dispute over AI data‑center contracts between the candidates.
Why it matters
The debate highlights how local tragedies can influence national immigration policy discussions.
What happens next
The outcome of the election will determine whether the district’s representative supports or opposes New York’s sanctuary law.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Parents of teen killed by illegal immigrant question Rep. Mike Lawler, Dem opponent Cait Conley on sanctuary law support during fiery debate”
