Michelle and Joe Abraham’s lives changed forever in January 2025 when their 20-year-old daughter, Katie, was killed in a hit-and-run allegedly caused by a Guatemalan national who was in the country illegally and is suspected of driving under the influence. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released a video of Katie’s parents speaking about their daughter and the immense loss they experienced.
Joe Abraham described Katie as a unique and spirited young woman, whose humor and wit made everyone feel seen. In the video, he emphasized the tragic loss of a life that had so much potential. The DHS video was part of a broader effort to shine a light on the impact of immigration policies on everyday Americans, particularly in the wake of rising concerns over border security and sanctuary policies.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2025, when Katie and her friend, Chloe Polzin, were struck by a suspected drunk driver, now identified as Julio Cucul Bol, a Guatemalan national who initially used an alias when speaking with authorities. Bol is charged with multiple counts, including leaving the scene of a personal injury crash resulting in death and aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death. The Urbana Police Department reported the incident as a severe traffic crash, with the suspect alleged to have been traveling at a high rate of speed, potentially up to 80 miles per hour.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy, stating that these two young women—college students with their entire lives ahead of them—were killed by an illegal alien who should have never been in the country. She criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other political leaders who promote sanctuary policies, claiming that such policies put Americans in danger.
A report from the Urbana Police Department details the severity of the incident, noting the high speed at which the suspect was allegedly traveling. Joe Abraham expressed frustration that the police had not immediately identified the suspect as an illegal immigrant. Michelle Abraham described the process of coming to terms with the tragedy as a deeply emotional and painful experience. The family has since called for stronger border security measures, arguing that the lack of proper vetting allowed the suspect to remain in the country.
Julio Cucul Bol faces numerous charges, including possession of false documents and the alleged crash. His legal proceedings have been ongoing, with the potential for significant penalties, including up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The case has also sparked a national debate about due process for illegal immigrants, with Joe Abraham arguing that Katie received no due process at all. The Abraham family has become a vocal advocate for stricter border policies, citing their loss as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and enforcement.
The Trump administration’s focus on immigration enforcement has contributed to the current discussion, with increased border security efforts and an emphasis on cracking down on illegal immigration. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a notable decrease in apprehensions in June 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating a shift in migration patterns and law enforcement efforts. The case of Katie Abraham has thus become a poignant symbol in the broader conversation about immigration policy, border security, and the human cost of policy decisions.