Trump Remembers Angel Families Always

Angel Mom Expresses Gratitude to Trump for Remembering Her Daughter

Alison Phillips, an “angel mom,” expressed her heartfelt gratitude to President Donald Trump, noting that he has not forgotten her family after the tragic murder of her 22-year-old daughter, Laken Riley. Laken was killed by members of the Torren de Aragua gang, an undocumented immigrant who was released during the Biden administration.

During a ceremony at the White House honoring the Angel family, Phillips shared that Trump has been a source of support since he learned about Laken’s murder. “You said from the very beginning, the day after this happened, that you wouldn’t forget Laken. You weren’t president at that time, yet you’ve fought battles that many shy away from,” Phillips remarked.

She continued, “Most wouldn’t take on such a challenging role—it’s easier to just look away. But you, President Trump, are doing this thankless job, and I can’t express my gratitude enough. It’s indescribable. For those who’ve faced similar nightmares, you get the significance of the work you’re undertaking. We need to protect our country and our families because something like this can happen to anyone.”

Phillips described Laken as a responsible nursing student and a good person who held strong Christian values. “That morning, she simply wanted to go for a run after having awakened early the day before to celebrate her roommate’s birthday by decorating her door. She was always thinking of others and expected nothing in return,” Phillips recounted.

She added, “Laken aimed to be a good friend, sister, daughter, and a dedicated nurse. She worked tirelessly, and I’m incredibly thankful that you would honor her, as well as all those who have suffered due to illegal immigration.”

On February 22, 2024, Laken was jogging near the University of Georgia campus when she was brutally murdered by José Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant. He had stalked her before violently attacking her and leaving her body in a wooded area nearby.

Ibarra had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border on September 8, 2022, and was released into the U.S. by the Biden administration because of a stated lack of detention space, even though there were more than 8,000 beds available at that time.

Later, in November 2023, just prior to Laken’s murder, Ibarra applied for an Employment Authorization Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which was approved on December 9, 2023. Previously, in July 2023, he had reported to an ICE officer for a biometric appointment, where his fingerprints revealed a criminal history.