Family of slain Illinois teen calls for immigration reform after illegal immigrant’s fatal crash
Joe Abraham’s 17-year-old daughter Katie was killed in a 2025 crash caused by an illegal immigrant driver, prompting his call for stronger immigration enforcement and criticism of Illinois sanctuary policies. The Department of Homeland Security’s ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ is honoring Katie’s memory through increased enforcement efforts.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2025, when Katie was a passenger in a car that was struck by an undocumented Guatemalan national, Julio Cucul-Bol, who was driving at nearly 80 miles per hour while under the influence of alcohol. The driver, who was using false Mexican identification, fled the scene after the collision, leaving Katie and others injured.
Abraham expressed his concerns about the Department of Homeland Security’s initiative, initially hesitant to agree to honor his daughter’s memory without seeing the details. However, after discussions with DHS officials, he realized the operation’s aim was to enforce laws protecting families like his and amplify Katie’s story. This led Abel to support the initiative as a way to ensure her death would not be in vain.
Abraham’s statement highlights the broader issue of illegal immigration and its impact on public safety. He criticized Illinois state leaders for allowing sanctuary policies that he believes have contributed to the tragedy. He argued that if these policies had not been in place, the incident might have been prevented.
Abraham’s comments have been met with outrage and have sparked a national conversation about immigration policies and their consequences. His family’s tragic loss has become a symbol of the need for reform and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.