Trump Proclaims Feb. 22 'National Angel Family Day' to Honor Victims

President Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 22 as National Angel Family Day, honoring American victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens and their families.

President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation designating February 22 as "National Angel Family Day," honoring Americans killed by criminal illegal aliens and the families they left behind. The date marks the second anniversary of the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan national who had entered the country illegally.

"On National Angel Family Day, we remember and honor the thousands of American lives stolen from us by criminal illegal aliens and the deadly drugs they bring across our borders," the proclamation states. "We stand with the Angel Families, many of whom continue to be left without justice.”

During an East Room ceremony featuring dozens of grieving relatives, Trump called the families "among the bravest people" and vowed to never forget their loved ones. Riley's mother, Allyson Phillips, thanked the president, saying, "You have said from the beginning... that you would not forget about Laken.”

The proclamation highlights Trump's immigration enforcement record, noting the Laken Riley Act signed as his first bill in January 2025 mandates detention of illegal aliens arrested for crimes. The administration reports border apprehensions are down 92% from previous levels.

The ceremony included testimony from multiple families, including Steve Ronnebeck, whose son Grant was killed by an illegal alien in Arizona, and a former NYPD officer who arrested Riley's killer months before her murder. The White House called on Americans to assemble in places of worship to honor victims and support Angel Families.