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Michelle and Joe Abraham’s world was forever changed in January 2025 when their 20-year-old daughter, Katie, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident allegedly caused by a Guatemalan national who was in the country illegally and suspected of driving under the influence. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently shared a video featuring Katie’s parents reflecting on their daughter and the profound loss they have endured.
“Katie was truly one-of-a-kind. She had a unique personality, was vibrant, and made everyone feel special,” Joe expressed in the DHS video. “Her humor was exceptional and her wit was razor-sharp.”
Katie and her friend, Chloe Polzin, were sitting at a stoplight when a suspected drunk driver, now believed to be an illegal immigrant, crashed into their car and fled the scene. Katie tragically passed away at the scene, while Chloe succumbed to her injuries the following day at the hospital.
President Donald Trump holds a photo of Katie Abraham, pictured right, as her father Joe Abraham, left, watches during an event to promote Trump’s domestic policy and budget agenda in the East Room of the White House, Thursday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
“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 our country. This tragedy was senseless and completely preventable,” expressed DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin in a press release. She criticized Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other political leaders who advocate for sanctuary policies, stating that they are endangering Americans.
A report from the Urbana Police Department indicates that in the early hours of Jan. 19, 2025, officers responded to a “severe traffic crash.” While the exact speed of the suspect is not specified in the police reports, Joe mentioned in the DHS video that the girls’ car was hit at nearly 80 miles per hour. The Urbana police report describes it as a “high rate of speed.”
Urbana Police identified the suspect as Julio Cucul Bol, a Guatemalan national, who initially provided a false identity to authorities. Bol is facing charges including leaving the scene of a personal injury crash resulting in death, reckless homicide, and aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death.
Katie Abraham was killed in January when an illegal immigrant who is suspected of driving under the influence rammed into her car at a “high rate of speed.”
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Joe described the anguish of losing his daughter as “heart-wrenching” and emphasized that if Bol had been properly vetted and not allowed into the country, Katie would still be alive today.
“The pain is indescribable every day, and I wish I could articulate it, but it’s as if a significant part of you is gone and will never return, and you have to find a way to move forward with it,” he expressed.
Michelle revealed in the DHS video that they were unaware of the suspect’s illegal status until a few days after the tragic accident.
“The Urbana Police Department promptly provided us with the information once they could, but they were unable to locate him. It’s even more challenging to comprehend that this individual is on the run. We have no idea of his whereabouts. There were suspicions that he was attempting to flee,” shared Michelle.
In May, Bol was indicted by a grand jury on charges related to possessing false documents such as a permanent resident card, Social Security card, passport, and making false statements on a bank application. Bol could face significant penalties including imprisonment and fines for these charges.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents look over lists of names and their hearing times and locations inside the Federal Plaza courthouse before making arrests on June 27, 2025 in New York. ((Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images))
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“Katie was denied any due process. People may use terms like disappeared, taken, snatched, but let me tell you, Katie was indeed taken from us without any due process. The stark difference here is that Katie was taken from us forever,” Joe responded to those who argue that illegal immigrants are not afforded due process.
The Trump administration has been focused on addressing illegal immigration, an issue that President Donald Trump highlighted during his campaign.
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“Securing the border is imperative. It has become clear that it has been exploited for specific reasons. I believe the actions being taken are necessary. We cannot have unregulated individuals,” Joe stated.
Michelle echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for enforcement of existing laws as a means to prevent tragedies like the one that took Katie’s life.
