President Trump Honors 'Angel Families' at White House Ceremony

The President signed a proclamation recognizing survivors and victims of crimes by undocumented immigrants.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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President Donald Trump held a White House ceremony on Monday where he signed a proclamation honoring 'angel families' - survivors and victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The President highlighted the case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was killed by an illegal immigrant two years ago. Laken's mother, Allyson Phillips, attended the event.

Why it matters

The President's focus on 'angel families' and crimes committed by undocumented immigrants has been a signature issue throughout his administration. This event is seen as an effort to highlight the administration's efforts on border security and immigration enforcement ahead of the State of the Union address.

The details

At the East Room ceremony, President Trump signed a proclamation honoring 62 people killed and two survivors of violence by illegal immigrants. The proclamation was dated February 22nd, marking the two-year anniversary of Laken Riley's death. The President said his administration has made border security a top priority and vowed to 'end these flawed sanctuary cities once and for all'.

  • The proclamation was dated February 22nd, marking the two-year anniversary of Laken Riley's death.
  • The White House event came just a day before the President's State of the Union address.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who held the ceremony honoring 'angel families'.

Laken Riley

A 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was killed by an undocumented immigrant two years ago.

Allyson Phillips

The mother of Laken Riley, who attended the White House ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“I'm beyond blessed and thankful that you're honoring not just Lincoln, because she's one and a ton of people that have suffered at the hands of illegal immigrants.”

— Allyson Phillips, Mother of Laken Riley (1011now.com)

“Stories like Lincoln's are one more reason why my administration will do everything in our power to end these flawed sanctuary cities once and for all.”

— President Donald Trump (1011now.com)

What’s next

The President is expected to highlight his administration's efforts on border security and immigration enforcement during his State of the Union address the following day.

The takeaway

The White House ceremony honoring 'angel families' underscores the President's continued focus on illegal immigration as a key policy priority. This event is seen as an attempt to rally his base and set the stage for his State of the Union remarks on the issue.