Joe Abraham says Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has not responded after his 20‑year‑old daughter Katie was killed in a 2024 hit‑and‑run by an intoxicated driver who authorities say was an undocumented immigrant using a false identity. The driver, Julio Cucul‑Bol, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years. Abraham accuses Pritzker of ignoring his family while publicly commenting on other high‑profile cases, and he has asked the governor for answers about how Cucul‑Bol obtained identification and remained in the state. The Department of Homeland Security launched "Operation Midway Blitz" to direct resources to the Chicago area in Katie’s honor.
Illinois Father Says Gov. Pritzker Ignored Family After Daughter Killed By Undocumented Driver
Joe Abraham, the father of Katie Abraham, who was killed by a drunk driver in the country illegally, is speaking out against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Byline: Updated report on Joe Abraham’s request for answers from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker after the 2024 death of his daughter, Katie Abraham.
Joe Abraham says he has received no response from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker after his 20-year-old daughter, Katie, was killed in 2024 when the vehicle she was riding in was rear‑ended by an intoxicated driver. Police identified the driver as Julio Cucul‑Bol, a Guatemalan national using a Mexican alias who authorities say had previously been deported and later returned to the U.S.
What Happened
According to court records and media reports, Cucul‑Bol was driving under the influence when he struck the vehicle carrying Katie and another passenger, 21‑year‑old Chloe Polzin. Cucul‑Bol later pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated DUI resulting in death and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. Prosecutors said he possessed counterfeit identification and a bogus Social Security card when arrested in Texas. He accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
Abraham’s Complaint
Abraham, a Glenview resident, criticized Gov. Pritzker for publicly commenting on a separate incident — the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis — while, he says, offering his family no acknowledgment after Katie’s death. Abraham told Fox News Digital that he felt disregarded by the governor and blamed state immigration and sanctuary policies for enabling individuals like Cucul‑Bol to remain in Illinois.
“I received no compassion from him. As a matter of fact, Katie was completely disrespected. She was ignored. There was total indifference toward her,” Abraham said.
Abraham also said he encountered Gov. Pritzker during a congressional hearing in 2025 but was not acknowledged. He described sending a formal letter to the governor seeking answers about how Cucul‑Bol obtained identification, purchased a vehicle, and remained in the state, and whether sanctuary policies played a role.
Official Responses
Fox News Digital contacted Gov. Pritzker’s office for confirmation that the letter was received and for comment on Abraham’s criticism. The governor’s office replied, "Making sure you have the full picture on Katie's story and legacy," and supplied links to stories reporting that Katie’s mother objected to her daughter being used as the public face of a federal enforcement effort. The office did not provide further comment at the time of reporting.
President Donald Trump holds up a photo of Katie Abraham during an event in the East Room of the White House on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Federal Action and Honors
Following national attention to the case, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced “Operation Midway Blitz,” directing additional resources to the Chicago area in Katie Abraham’s honor. President Donald Trump also publicly paid tribute to Katie.
Questions Still Unanswered
Abraham continues to seek answers about how Cucul‑Bol obtained identity documents and a driver’s license, how he remained in Illinois after deportation, and whether local or state policies contributed to the failure to prevent the tragedy. He said he does not expect a substantive response from the governor.
Note: This article reports statements made by family members and official actions described in court and agency releases. Where applicable, identifiers and quotes reflect those sources.
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