The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has brought attention to an opinion piece written by Joe Abraham, whose daughter Katie Abraham was killed in a car accident caused by Julio Cucul-Bol, described as an undocumented immigrant, in Illinois. The op-ed appeared on Fox News.
In September, DHS announced Operation Midway Blitz to honor Katie Abraham. This initiative focuses on targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds in Illinois and Chicago. According to the department, the operation was prompted by concerns that state policies have made the region more attractive for those seeking sanctuary from federal immigration enforcement.
Joe Abraham wrote about his daughter's death: “Katie was violently killed on Jan. 19, 2025, in a way no parent should ever have to imagine. She was a passenger in a car stopped at a red light when an illegal alien, driving drunk at nearly 80 miles per hour, slammed into the back of their vehicle. The driver, Julio Cucul-Bol, a Guatemalan national in the country illegally and using false Mexican identification, stole from us a bright, loving young woman with her whole life ahead of her.”
Abraham criticized Illinois officials' approach to immigration policy: “Instead of acting with compassion or foresight, Illinois leaders encouraged and even incentivized illegal immigration, sending a dangerous message that anyone could come here without consequence. That’s not compassion — that’s cruelty. It shows no regard for the safety of residents and no empathy for the struggles, abuse and exploitation suffered by the very people making that perilous journey.”
He also described meetings he had after his daughter's death with DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff: “After Katie’s death, I met with dozens of DHS and ICE agents and support staff in Chicago. I also sat down with Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and we spoke at length about how open-border policies are tearing apart our communities. The contrast couldn’t have been more stark. I was struck by their professionalism, compassion and dedication. These men and women are not the villains that some politicians and activists make them out to be. They are Americans trying to do their jobs — to restore order and balance after years of dangerous neglect. Each of the dozens of men and women I met were competent, professional and deeply committed to keeping our communities safer.”
He concluded his remarks supporting the new enforcement initiative: “That’s why I support 'Operation Midway Blitz,' because it’s time to bring accountability back to our immigration system. It’s time to put the safety of Americans ahead of political games. And it’s time to honor Katie — not just with words, but with action.”
Operation Midway Blitz is one part of ongoing federal efforts focused on addressing criminal activity involving non-citizens within states that have adopted sanctuary policies.
