By Gloria Ogbonna

House Speaker Mike Johnson sharply criticized Democratic immigration policies on Wednesday, arguing that the murder of Sheridan Gorman in Chicago was the direct result of what he described as “open borders” and sanctuary-city laws championed by Democratic leaders.

Speaking to reporters, Johnson asserted that the tragedy was not the result of a broken system, but rather one operating as intended under Democratic leadership.

“The system did not fail Sheridan — that worked exactly as the Democrats intended,” Johnson said. He pointed to Democratic control of both the White House and leadership in Chicago, claiming their policies created conditions that allowed a dangerous individual to remain in the country.

Johnson argued that so-called “open borders” policies and sanctuary-city protections shielded the suspect from deportation and accountability. “They coddled the criminal illegal alien. They empowered and allowed this to happen,” he said. “That’s why we’re so angry about it.”

According to Johnson, the suspect entered the United States in May 2023 and was later apprehended in June 2023 for shoplifting. On both occasions, he was released. Johnson claimed those encounters represented missed opportunities to detain and remove the individual before the fatal incident occurred.

“He was in the custody of law enforcement twice, and there were two chances to stop Sheridan’s killer,” Johnson said. “But Democrats’ open borders guaranteed the release, and their soft-on-crime sanctuary policies ensured his impunity.”

Johnson also drew parallels to other high-profile crimes involving undocumented migrants, referencing the killing of Laken Riley in Georgia. “It’s the same fate that befell Laken Riley and so many others,” he said. “How many more times does this story have to be repeated?”

The Speaker argued that Democratic-led jurisdictions have implemented laws that effectively create what he called “amnesty zones” for undocumented migrants. He contended that these policies allow migrants to live and work with limited cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.

Sheridan Gorman should still be with us, just as Laken Riley should too and many others.

How many more times will this story be repeated?
 
Democrats coddled criminal illegal aliens and created the system that allowed this to happen, and that’s why we’re so angry about it. pic.twitter.com/SFD34Lgjfc

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 25, 2026

Johnson claimed that from 2021 to 2024, Democratic policies encouraged large-scale migration from economically struggling nations, and that sanctuary laws in cities and states protect undocumented residents from deportation even when accused of crimes. He further argued that these policies create economic and political incentives, suggesting they strengthen alliances between Democratic leaders and business interests that benefit from migrant labor.

Critics of sanctuary policies, including Johnson, maintain that such measures prioritize political ideology over public safety. Supporters, however, argue that sanctuary laws are designed to build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, ensuring that victims and witnesses can report crimes without fear of deportation.

RIP, Sheridan Gorman

Tragic and preventable without sanctuary cities that @GovPritzker allows. pic.twitter.com/Cm0x1wQdBe

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 24, 2026

During a House press briefing, Johnson was joined by other Republican leaders who echoed his concerns. Majority Whip Tom Emmer warned that similar outcomes could unfold nationwide if sanctuary policies expand.

“If Democrats had their way, this would be the story of every city in America,” Emmer said.

Republican lawmakers also criticized Democrats for opposing certain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding measures, arguing that legislative gridlock is contributing to disruptions at airports and affecting federal employees’ incomes.

The debate underscores the deep divide in Washington over immigration enforcement, border security, and sanctuary-city laws.

Sheridan Gorman was not at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The only person in the wrong place was her killer, who should’ve never been allowed into America to begin with, let alone allowed to stay after committing crimes.

If Democrats had their way, this would be the story… pic.twitter.com/xCBUna1Rve

— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) March 25, 2026

As investigations into Gorman’s death continue, both parties are using the tragedy to reinforce sharply contrasting visions for how immigration and public safety should be handled at the federal, state, and local levels.

Source Breitbart