President Trump Declares “Angel Families Day”

On Monday, President Trump announced that February 22nd will be recognized as “Angel Families Day.” This day is meant to honor those who have lost family members due to crimes committed by individuals who entered the country illegally.

The proclamation pays tribute to two survivors and 62 victims, including Laken Riley. According to the New York Post, Riley was a nursing student whose life was tragically cut short during a morning jog on the University of Georgia campus. The date of the proclamation, February 22nd, holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of her untimely death in 2024.

Officials from the White House noted that this event is the first of its kind aimed at recognizing “angel families” impacted by crimes involving illegal aliens. The president had previously issued a proclamation celebrating the Angel Families a day prior to his inauguration. He is set to deliver his State of the Union address on the following Tuesday night, as reported by Fox News.

In light of the challenges brought about by former President Joe Biden’s border policies, President Trump has made strides to seek justice for Angel families affected by such crimes.

Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt shared, “The first piece of legislation President Trump signed was the Laken-Reilly Act, aimed at preventing further tragedies and ensuring the safety of innocent Americans. The President and our nation stand with the Angel family in commemorating these notable individuals.”

As noted by Breitbart News, Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan individual, has been convicted for Riley’s murder and is currently serving a life sentence without the chance of parole.

The trial revealed that Riley died amidst a violent confrontation, with evidence pointing to a struggle where she was attacked with a rock. Tragically, this incident led to multiple injuries to her head, neck, and torso.

In March 2024, Riley’s mother described her daughter’s murder as a “senseless and avoidable tragedy.” Reports indicate that when asked about his agency’s involvement in the case, President Biden’s Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, did not mention Riley’s name.