Letters: What Is Justice for Katie Abraham?
Due process is one of the most fundamental rights granted to every person in America, regardless of their documentation status. My deepest sympathies go to Joe Abraham for the devastating loss of his daughter, Katie. The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and his grief and anger are entirely understandable.
However, the belief that “Operation Midway Blitz” or President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agenda can serve as justice for this tragedy is deeply misguided.
“We all share my daughter Katie’s legacy — and her death must still mean something.”
Katie Abraham lost her life in January in a drunk-driving, hit-and-run crash caused by Juan Cucul-Bol of Guatemala. It is unbearable to lose a child in such a senseless way, and unfortunately, many families across America share this pain caused by drunk driving. Far too little has been done to address this deadly epidemic.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, approximately 37 people die in drunk-driving incidents every day in the United States. Joe Abraham and his daughter deserved justice, and they received it through the legal process when Cucul-Bol, who was undocumented, was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Despite his suffering, Joe Abraham’s call to apprehend thousands of people based on immigration quotas — including citizens, documented and undocumented individuals, children, and people who have never committed crimes — risks confusing justice with vengeance. True justice demands fairness, proportionality, and adherence to the rule of law.
Author’s Summary
The letter argues that while grief can cloud judgment, justice for Katie Abraham was rightfully served through due process, not through broad punitive immigration crackdowns.