Trump Honors 'Angel Families' Impacted by Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants

President signs proclamation designating February 22 as 'Angel Family Day' to remember victims

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:49pm

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President Trump hosted a solemn White House ceremony honoring the families of victims killed by illegal immigrants. He signed a proclamation designating February 22 as 'Angel Family Day' and listened as the names of 62 victims were read aloud. Emotional family members shared stories of their lost loved ones and thanked Trump for his support.

Why it matters

The 'Angel Families' have become a powerful political force, with Trump championing their cause and vowing to help them find justice. The ceremony highlighted the ongoing debate over immigration policy and border security, as well as the human toll of crimes committed by those in the country illegally.

The details

During the ceremony, Allyson Phillips, the mother of Laken Riley, and Marie Vega, whose son was killed by illegal migrants, offered emotional stories about their loss and thanked Trump for his support. Former NYPD officer Ethan Curreri also spoke, criticizing New York's 'sanctuary' immigration policies that he said failed to deport Laken Riley's murderer before the crime occurred.

  • The Laken Riley Act, which requires federal detention of illegal immigrants arrested for burglary or theft, was signed into law by Trump on January 29, 2025.
  • Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student, was murdered while out jogging by a Venezuelan man in the country illegally in 2024.
  • Vega's son was killed by illegal migrants during a 2014 robbery attempt at their home in Texas.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States who hosted the 'Angel Family' ceremony and signed a proclamation designating February 22 as 'Angel Family Day'.

Allyson Phillips

The mother of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered while out jogging by a Venezuelan man in the country illegally in 2024.

Marie Vega

The mother whose son was killed by illegal migrants during a 2014 robbery attempt at their home in Texas.

Ethan Curreri

A former NYPD officer who arrested Laken Riley's murderer in New York City, criticizing the city's 'sanctuary' immigration policies that failed to deport the suspect before the crime occurred.

Patty Morin

The mother of Rachel, a Maryland mother who was killed by an illegal El Salvadoran while out hiking in 2023. Trump is paying for Patty Morin's eye surgery.

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What they’re saying

“This could be any family. This happened to my family, this could be any one of your families.”

— Allyson Phillips, Mother of Laken Riley

“Without you, America and the world would not know the consequences of open borders.”

— Marie Vega, Mother whose son was killed by illegal migrants

“I did my job. I put him in custody. The system failed. No detainer, no accountability, no deportation, and an innocent American life was taken.”

— Ethan Curreri, Former NYPD officer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This ceremony highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the human toll of crimes committed by those in the country illegally. The 'Angel Families' have become a powerful political force, with President Trump championing their cause and vowing to help them find justice.