Celebrating Families, Addressing Border Issues in a White House Ceremony

A quiet ceremony at the White House marked a day set aside to honor families that have lost loved ones to crimes committed by undocumented migrants. The event, called Angel Family Day, was announced by the president who also signed a proclamation designating February 22 as a day of remembrance. The date is significant because it coincides with the death of Laken Riley, a 22‑year‑old nursing student from Georgia who was tragically murdered while jogging.

During the ceremony, the president listened as a speaker read the names of 62 people who had been killed and two survivors who had faced violence at the hands of illegal immigrants. The military choir added a solemn touch by performing “Amazing Grace.” After signing the proclamation, the president joined the families in the audience and offered them hugs and words of support.

One mother, Allyson Phillips, spoke about her daughter’s death and warned that similar tragedies could happen to any family. She praised the president for his unwavering commitment to what she calls “angel families.” Another mother, Marie Vega, shared the story of her son’s murder during a robbery attempt in Texas in 2014. Both women thanked the president for standing with them and urged the public to recognize the dangers of open borders.

A former New York City police officer, Ethan Curreri, used his remarks to criticize the city’s sanctuary immigration policies. He recounted arresting the man who killed Laken Riley and lamented that the system failed to remove him from the country. The president responded by noting Curreri’s move from New York to Florida, suggesting that officials in the former city may have been reluctant to enforce immigration laws.

The ceremony also included a lighter moment when the president spoke with Patty Morin, a Maryland mother whose daughter was killed while hiking. He mentioned her upcoming eye surgery and indicated that he would help cover the costs, a gesture that received an appreciative response from Morin.

The overall tone of the event was one of mourning, solidarity, and a call to action regarding immigration enforcement. By bringing families into the public eye, the president aimed to transform their personal losses into a broader political conversation about border security and justice.