Trump designates February 22 as 'National Angel Family Day' in honor of Laken Riley
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump signed a proclamation designating February 22 as National Angel Family Day during a White House event that brought together relatives of victims killed by individuals living in the country illegally.
The ceremony, held on Monday, February 23, featured emotional remarks from several family members, including Allyson Phillips, the mother of Laken Riley, whose death Trump referenced while announcing the new designation.
🚨 BREAKING: By stroke of pen and flanked by angel families, President Trump signs proclamation designating Feb. 22 as National Angel Family Day — the day Laken Riley was killed by an illegal alien
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 23, 2026
Greatest president ever. ❤️
47 DID NOT forget these Americans. Ever. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Q9khwNVQoo
Trump hosts Angel Families at White House event
The White House event featured multiple speakers who shared personal stories tied to immigration-related crimes. Among them was Allyson Phillips, whom President Donald Trump invited to the stage.
Phillips expressed gratitude for the president’s continued attention to her daughter’s case.
“You have said from the beginning, literally, the day after this happened, that you would not forget about Laken,” Phillips said. “You weren't president at that time, and you have not forgotten; you have fought a fight that most people would not want to have to fight. Most people wouldn't.”
She continued her emotional remarks by praising Trump’s efforts. “President Trump you are doing a thankless job that most people just wouldn't do, and I just can't thank you enough,” Phillips said.
Phillips described her daughter as responsible, hardworking, and selfless, saying Riley was a committed Christian who helped others without expecting anything in return. She also issued a warning to other families.
“This happened to my family, this could be any one of your families,” she said.
Families thank Trump and highlight immigration concerns
Phillips also acknowledged the broader group of families present at the event.
“I'm beyond blessed and thankful that you're honoring not just Laken, because she's one of a ton of people that have suffered at the hands of illegal immigrants,” she said.
Marie Vega, whose son was killed in a separate incident involving undocumented migrants, echoed similar sentiments during her remarks to the president. “Without you, America and the world would not know the consequences of open borders,” Vega told President Donald Trump.
Angel Mom Marie Vega, mother of former U.S. Marine & Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr., tells the story of her son's murder:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 23, 2026
"Thank God we have you in office. Without you, America, and the world, would not know the consequences of open borders." ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FMtLdtp76D
Former New York City Police Department officer Ethan Curreri also spoke, recounting his prior encounter with Riley’s killer.
“I personally arrested Jose Ibarra for endangering the welfare of a child. A few months later, I saw his face again in the news after he viciously murdered Laken Riley,” Curreri said.
He added pointed criticism of the justice system: “I did my job. I put him in custody. The system failed... no accountability and an innocent American life was taken.”
Trump criticizes Biden administration
During his remarks, President Donald Trump sharply criticized former President Joe Biden, blaming his administration for what he described as failures in immigration enforcement.
“Throughout this hall, I am joined by heartbroken Americans who have lost parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and treasured loved ones to the scourge of illegal immigration led in by the past administration,” Trump said.
He further described Angel Families as people “that for decades our government betrayed.” The proclamation formally designates February 22, the day referenced in connection with Riley’s death, as National Angel Family Day.
