Angel Mom Urges Incoming DHS Chief to Act After Illegal Immigrant Killed Her Son

Angie Morfin's 13-year-old son Ruben was executed by an illegal gang member in 1994, and she is calling on the new DHS Secretary to prioritize border security.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Angie Morfin, a California mother whose 13-year-old son Ruben was executed by an illegal alien gang member in 1994, is urging incoming Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to continue listening to Angel Families and prioritize border security to prevent other families from suffering similar tragedies. Morfin founded Moms Against Gang Violence and has testified before Congress, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact that illegal immigration and gang violence can have on American families. Morfin's story is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of weak border security and lax immigration policies. Her advocacy work aims to ensure that no other mother has to endure the loss of a child in this way.

The details

In 1994, Ruben Morfin, a 13-year-old Hispanic teenager with no gang affiliation, was chased down and shot in the back of the head by Mexican national Ezequiel Mariscal, a member of the Posole street gang. Mariscal had previously been deported but had returned to the U.S. illegally. After the shooting, he fled to Mexico and was later sentenced to 45 years in a Mexican prison.

  • In the winter of 1994, Ruben Morfin was shot and killed.
  • Angie Morfin received the call about her son's death just after midnight.

The players

Angie Morfin

A California mother and grandmother whose 13-year-old son, Ruben, was executed by an illegal alien gang member. She founded Moms Against Gang Violence and has testified before Congress on the need for stricter immigration enforcement.

Ruben Morfin

Angie Morfin's 13-year-old son who was chased down and shot in the back of the head by an illegal alien gang member in 1994.

Ezequiel Mariscal

A Mexican national and member of the Posole street gang who shot and killed Ruben Morfin. Mariscal had previously been deported but had returned to the U.S. illegally.

Markwayne Mullin

The incoming Department of Homeland Security Secretary, who Angie Morfin is urging to continue listening to Angel Families and prioritize border security.

Nicole Kiprilov

The executive director of The American Border Story, which shared Angie Morfin's story exclusively with Fox News Digital.

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What they’re saying

“Make sure no other mother has to get the call I did.”

— Angie Morfin, Mother of Ruben Morfin

“Ruben was just a little boy with dreams of growing up, getting married, and having a family of his own.”

— Angie Morfin, Mother of Ruben Morfin

“I cry for him today, like if it was just yesterday.”

— Angie Morfin, Mother of Ruben Morfin

“All I kept trying to do in my mind was stop the bullet.”

— Angie Morfin, Mother of Ruben Morfin

“He helped me give my son a voice.”

— Angie Morfin, Mother of Ruben Morfin

What’s next

Angie Morfin is hopeful that incoming DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin will continue to listen to Angel Families like hers and prioritize border security to prevent similar tragedies.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking story highlights the devastating impact that illegal immigration and gang violence can have on American families. Angie Morfin's advocacy work aims to ensure that no other mother has to endure the loss of a child in this way, and she is calling on the new DHS leadership to make border security a top priority.