Trump Declares February 22 as National Angel Family Day

On Monday, in a solemn ceremony at the White House’s East Room, President Donald Trump officially announced February 22 as “National Angel Family Day.” This date aligns with the second anniversary of the tragic death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia, who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant in 2024.

Riley’s case gained significant national attention, becoming emblematic in the heated discussion surrounding immigration enforcement and border security.

“I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 22, 2026, as National Angel Family Day.”

The proclamation aims to honor “Angel Families,” those who have lost loved ones as a result of crimes committed by individuals residing illegally in the country, while also highlighting the administration’s stricter border security policies.

“On National Angel Family Day, we remember and honor the thousands of American lives stolen from us by criminal illegal aliens and the deadly drugs they bring across our borders. We stand with the Angel Families, many of whom continue to be left without justice. And we recommit to carrying out the largest mass-deportation effort in our Nation’s history, getting the worst of the worst out of our country,” the proclamation asserted.

During the event, President Trump, accompanied by officials, law enforcement, and numerous family members holding photos of their loved ones, described these victims as “great Americans” whose stories have often been overlooked by previous administrations and mainstream media.

“They were the victims of politicians who put the comfort of foreign criminals before the safety of American citizens,” Trump remarked. “We’re done ignoring them.”

The ceremony included emotional speeches from various Angel Family representatives. Allyson Phillips, Laken Riley’s mother, expressed gratitude to Trump for ensuring that her daughter’s memory would inspire meaningful change. Steve Ronnebeck, who lost his son Grant to a similar fate in Arizona in 2015, and Laura Wilkerson, who shared the tragic story of her son Joshua’s death in 2010, also spoke out about their painful experiences.

Angel Dad Joe Abraham gave a poignant reflection on the impact of sanctuary policies, emphasizing how they contributed to his daughter’s death.

NYPD Officer Ethan Curreri, who had previously arrested Laken Riley’s killer, José Ibarra, for a different crime, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the systemic failures that allowed Ibarra to remain free before committing the murder.

“I personally arrested Jose Ibarra for endangering the welfare of a child. A few months later, I saw his face again in the news after he viciously murdered Laken Riley. I did my job. The system failed, no detainer, no accountability, no deportation, and an innocent American life was taken,” said Officer Curreri.

This proclamation is not merely symbolic; it serves to support ongoing legislative efforts of the administration.

• Deportations: Trump reiterated his commitment to the “largest mass-deportation effort in our Nation’s history,” particularly targeting undocumented individuals with criminal records.

• Sanctuary city crackdown: He criticized local governments that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, claiming that “reckless sanctuary policies” prevent accountability.

• The Laken Riley Act: This legislation mandates detaining illegal immigrants charged with offenses like theft, which is relevant in Ibarra’s case.

• Kate’s Law: Trump called on Congress to pass this law to impose harsher penalties on deported individuals who unlawfully return to the U.S., particularly those with previous convictions.

While supporters of the proclamation hailed it as a necessary acknowledgment of preventable tragedies, critics viewed the event as a politically motivated move intended to justify strict immigration policies. Some pointed to studies indicating that undocumented immigrants are often less likely to commit crimes than those born in the U.S.

Democratic leaders sent condolences to the families while criticizing the proclamation as an attempt to “politicize grief” for a “fear narrative” ahead of the State of the Union address.

The proclamation invites Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, encouraging gatherings in places of worship to honor victims. President Trump is expected to elaborate on the stories of the Angel Families during his State of the Union address, where several family members will be special guests of the First Lady, Melania Trump.