Student newspapers in the Chicago area have launched “ICE trackers” to monitor and map immigration enforcement activity, a move that has sparked reactions in the wake of the killing of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman.
The Dominican Star, published by Dominican University, introduced its tracker this week, following a similar initiative by The Loyola Phoenix. The paper said it collaborated with Loyola’s editorial team to develop the feature.
“We became inspired by their initiative and decided to create our own addition to service the Dominican University community,” the publication said.
Tracking ICE activity
The trackers function as live maps that mark verified sightings of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in areas around campus.
The Dominican Star said it will focus on neighbourhoods with a significant commuter student population and has asked readers to submit tips, which will be verified before being added to the map.
The Loyola Phoenix had earlier said its tracker aims to provide a reliable source of information and limit the spread of misinformation on social media.
Killing of Sheridan Gorman
Gorman, 18, was shot dead on March 19 while walking with friends near Loyola University’s Rogers Park campus.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Jose Medina-Medina, a Venezuelan national, had previously been apprehended by US Border Patrol in 2023 and released into the country.
He was later arrested in a shoplifting case and released again.
Police said a masked gunman approached the group and fired a single shot, striking Gorman in the back.
The Loyola Phoenix also faced backlash over its initial reporting, after it used the term “illegal immigrant” in a headline and social media post. The publication later issued an apology, stating the language did not align with its editorial standards.
“No human’s existence is illegal,” the editors said, acknowledging the harm caused and revising the wording.
The case has intensified debate over immigration policies and local cooperation with federal authorities in Chicago.
Gorman’s family has called for accountability from state and city leaders, saying the incident cannot be dismissed as a “senseless tragedy.”
