Trump Declares February 22 National Angel Family Day

Breaking

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring February 22 as National Angel Family Day during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The event, covered live by Newsmax, brought together dozens of Angel Families — relatives of Americans killed by individuals in the country illegally.

Among those present was Allyson Phillips, the mother of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered after going for a run on her college campus. Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan national in the United States illegally, was convicted for the murder.

President Trump addressed the families directly, saying, “Everyone in this room not only suffered an infinite loss, they were the victims of politicians who put the comfort of foreign criminals before the safety of American citizens and American patriots.” He added, “Their stories were censored and suppressed … so that the politicians could open our borders and allow our nation to be invaded. But under the Trump administration, their suffering is forgotten no longer.”

Details & Background

President Trump explained that he had long sought formal recognition for Angel Families. “In just a few moments, I officially sign a proclamation that I’ve been waiting to sign for a long time,” he said. “Feb. 22 is going to be National Angel Family Day. Very important.”

During his remarks, the president recounted the circumstances of Laken Riley’s death, stating that she “went out for a run on a college campus in Georgia” and was “viciously attacked, brutally beaten, and murdered by an illegal alien gang member who the last administration heartlessly released into our country.”

Riley’s death became a flashpoint in the national debate over border security and immigration enforcement. It galvanized calls for stronger federal action and ultimately led to passage of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates federal detention of illegal immigrants arrested for burglary or theft.

President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act on January 29, 2025, marking the first bill of his second term.

Reactions

Angel Families in attendance expressed gratitude for the formal recognition. For many, the designation represents more than a symbolic gesture — it signals federal acknowledgment of their losses and the policy failures they believe contributed to them.

Supporters of the proclamation argue it highlights the human cost of weak border enforcement and reinforces the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American citizens. They point to expanded deportation efforts, increased border security measures, and legislative changes as evidence of a shift in policy direction.

Why This Matters to You

Immigration enforcement is not an abstract political issue. It directly impacts community safety, federal resource allocation, and national security. By establishing National Angel Family Day, the administration is placing public focus on families affected by crimes committed by individuals in the country illegally.

The federal government has already taken legislative action through the Laken Riley Act, mandating detention for illegal immigrants arrested for certain crimes. The administration has signaled that additional enforcement measures remain a priority.

For American families concerned about border control and public safety, this proclamation underscores a broader policy shift — one centered on enforcement, victim recognition, and prioritizing citizens. As immigration debates continue in Congress, the stories of Angel Families are now formally recognized in the national calendar, ensuring their losses remain part of the country’s policy conversation.