One Father Seeks To Transform Immigration Laws In Memory Of His Daughter

A father’s unyielding quest for justice after a tragic hit-and-run seeks to honor his daughter Katie Abraham’s legacy and also to reform immigration due process in America.

Quick Takes

Katie Abraham was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Urbana, Illinois, while visiting friends at the University of Illinois.
The suspect, Julio Cucul Bol, was living in the U.S. under a false identity and was apprehended while fleeing toward the southern border.
Katie’s father, Joe Abraham, is advocating for immigration reform to honor his daughter’s memory.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Illinois’ sanctuary policies for allowing criminals to evade justice.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker defended the state’s sanctuary policies and dismissed criticisms as political posturing.

Katie Abraham’s Tragic Death

In January, Katie Abraham’s life was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run crash in Urbana, Illinois, where she was visiting friends at the University of Illinois. The crash occurred when the vehicle she was traveling in was rear-ended at a traffic light. This sudden loss has left Katie’s family, especially her father, Joe Abraham, grappling with grief and seeking justice. Katie was known for her wit and bright personality, leaving a permanent mark on those who knew her.

“Katie was such a personality. She was so witty, so clever. It’s like it’s not real. It’s devastating; it’s not anything you expect or prepare for,” said Joe Abraham.

Pursuit of Justice and Accountability

The suspect in the case, Julio Cucul Bol, a 29-year-old Guatemalan citizen, was living in the United States under a false identity. After the crash, he fled the scene on foot, but U.S. Marshals tracked him down in Texas as he attempted to reach the southern border. He is now facing charges, including reckless homicide related to the crash. Katie’s family is urging anyone with information about Bol’s whereabouts before the crash to come forward.

Katie’s family is currently arranging her funeral and expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in apprehending the suspect. Michelle, a family friend, remarked, “Our understanding is he was an illegal immigrant, and, as Joe mentioned, he fled on foot after the accident.”

Immigration Policy Controversy

The tragic incident has sparked a broader debate on immigration policies in Illinois. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the state’s sanctuary policies, accusing Illinois of providing a haven for criminals evading justice. Noem argued that the policies allow dangerous individuals to remain at large and urged immediate reform to protect innocent lives.

“People are dying every day because of these policies. People are evading justice. Governors like JB Pritzker don’t care if gangbangers, murderers, rapists and pedophiles roam free in his state,” said Secretary Noem.

However, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker dismissed these criticisms as political posturing, emphasizing that Illinois adheres to federal and state law. He defended the state’s Trust Act, which limits local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement.