After an illegal immigrant allegedly gunned down an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Loyola on March 19, the university’s newspaper apologized for calling the alleged killer an “illegal immigrant.”
The Department of Homeland Security identified the man suspected of murdering Sheridan Gorman as an illegal alien from Venezuela who was caught and released by the Biden administration in 2023.
The suspect, Jose Medina-Medina, allegedly killed 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, Illinois.
The editor’s note on the story apologized to the alleged killer for describing the man as an “illegal immigrant.”
That headline didn’t reflect the most important elements in the story, and it was taken down minutes later to prevent any further harm to affected community members.
Additionally, in the body of the original post, we described the man who was charged as an “illegal immigrant,” using language provided by the Department of Homeland Security. That language does not align with Associated Press style, nor does it align with the values of this newspaper.
No human’s existence is illegal, and we quickly changed our wording to reflect that.
We acknowledge the harm such language can cause and the power and importance of the words we choose to use. We deeply regret these errors, and we’re committed to continuing the high standards we hold for ourselves as journalists and members of the Loyola, Rogers Park and Chicago communities.
The response by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wasn’t much better.
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Less than a week after the alleged murder, Johnson unveiled a new snowplow named “Abolish ICE.”
“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 to reporters. "And 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.
If Johnson had followed federal immigration laws, then an illegal immigrant might not have killed Gorman. But Chicago is a sanctuary city.
🚨 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he's going to "double down" on protecting illegal aliens from ICE even after the murder of Sheridan Gorman:
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) March 25, 2026
"This tragedy is not going to deter us from our work." pic.twitter.com/5voIHQWAvO
Medina-Medina isn't the only illegal immigrant hiding in Chicago, according to Democrat Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez. He told Fox News that there are about 2,000 others who are known dangers to the public, but the city won't deport them.
Democrat Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez just told Fox News there are 2,000 illegal aliens in Chicago who are known dangers to public safety and Chicago refuses to work with Trump admin to get them out
— Brianna Lyman (@briannalyman2) March 25, 2026
Sheridan Gorman’s accused killer Jose Medina flashing gang signs a month after his arrival - exactly the type of person my amendment to our Welcoming City Ordinance would NOT have protected!
— Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RaymondALopez) March 25, 2026
Sheridan’s family is correct: 39 choices made her murder possible! https://t.co/2AWFBV847q
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed Chicago politicians for not protecting its residents.
.@PressSec on the murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in Chicago: "The suspect in custody for murdering her is a Venezuelan illegal alien who was caught and released at the border by the Biden Admin... How many more Americans have to die before the Democrats end this madness?" pic.twitter.com/NFjTfSytN2
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 25, 2026
Loyola University newspaper has issued an apology in the wake of the murder of freshman Sheridan Gorman...ostensibly to her accused murderer. The Phoenix was sorry for calling Jose Medina-Medina an "illegal immigrant" instead of a "Rogers Park Resident"...https://t.co/01UFG9ySL8
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) March 25, 2026
The Loyola University Newspaper is a morally bankrupt institution. @loyolaphoenix, you should be ashamed of yourselves, but I am sure you're not. Sheridan Gorman didn't have to die, but you are more concerned with potentially hurt feelings than with truth and justice. Sad. https://t.co/J56oBkDvfp
— Gianno Caldwell (@GiannoCaldwell) March 25, 2026
