WATCH: Angel mom asks lawmakers why illegal immigrants ‘matter more’ than Americans

The mother of an 18-year-old college freshman killed by a convicted illegal immigrant in March asked lawmakers Tuesday to look her in the eye and explain “why the people here illegally are more important than American citizens,” giving emotional testimony at a congressional hearing on sanctuary policies.

Jessica Gorman, whose daughter Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot after going to the Chicago lakefront with friends to see the Northern Lights, accused sanctuary city leaders and politicians of failing to protect her child during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on sanctuary policies.

“I want you to imagine that little girl sitting on the ‘friend bench,’ an innocent college freshman with a heart full of compassion and a head full of dreams, being shot and killed by an illegal immigrant,” Gorman said. “I want you to imagine that this is your daughter, not mine. What if it was yours?”

CHICAGO MAYOR ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CITY’S IMMIGRATION POLICIES AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ALLEGEDLY KILLED A UNIVERSITY STUDENT

Gorman’s remarks came as Sheridan recalled a childhood story where she would “follow” her “friends’ line” during recess, waiting to help classmates who felt lonely or excluded.

He lamented that his daughter, who spent her life making sure others were seen, was being failed by those responsible for protecting her.

“I’m bringing this back to the amicus floor. I think Congress needs this. Yes, I think every governor, every mayor, every sanctuary city official, and every politician who passes blame and profit and hides behind their slogans and talking points, they all need to sit down together,” Gorman said.

“I challenge you all to sit down with me. Hold my hand, look me in the eye, and then explain to me, because I don’t understand. Explain why the people here are illegally more important than your American citizens. Explain why sanctuary policies are more important than the life of my Sheridan. Explain why cooperation with ICE is highly desirable, yet somehow acceptable to ask our American parents to bury our children. Ask me — you need to tell me.”“

DOCUMENTS SAY BIDEN BORDER AUTHORITIES RELEASED THE ALLEGED MURDERER OF CHICAGO STUDENT ‘DUE TO LACK OF PLACE’

The man accused of killing a Loyola University freshman in a March shooting in Rogers Park was found in jail with a gun, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office said. (Cook County Sheriff’s Office)

Gorman identified the man accused of killing his daughter as Venezuelan illegal immigrant Jose Medina, who he said “shouldn’t even be in this country.” He said Medina had previously committed a crime and had an outstanding arrest warrant before he was released onto the streets of Chicago.

“But this story isn’t about him,” Gorman told lawmakers. “The story is about my Sheridan.”

The hearing discussed asylum policies and whether jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities are putting Americans at risk. Republicans have argued that these policies allow criminal illegal immigrants to be released back into communities rather than being turned over to ICE, while Democrats have pushed back, arguing that such policies preserve trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., who chairs the subcommittee, opened the hearing by saying Republicans will continue to highlight victims’ families until asylum policies are “fixed.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., offered her condolences to Gorman and another witness whose daughter was killed, but criticized the hearing as the committee’s fourth on sanctuary cities and argued Democrats should instead examine the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student, was shot and killed on March 19. While walking along a lakeside pier at Tobey Prinz Beach with a group of friends, they encountered a masked man hiding behind a lighthouse structure. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

The hearing turned heated even before Gorman testified, when Rep. Mike Lawler, R-R.Y., introduced her and was interrupted by Democrats who said her remarks had turned from an introduction into a broader conversation about immigration policy.

Gorman later told deputies that she never expected to become a public defender, but said her daughter’s death forced her into the fight.

“I’m a lover, not a warrior,” Gorman said. “I’m not a public speaker. I’ve never been one to talk openly about things. I have to do this.”