National Angel Family Day: A Presidential Proclamation on Border Security

You might care about this because President Trump has proclaimed February 22, 2026, as National Angel Family Day. This day is set aside to remember and honor Americans who the proclamation states have lost their lives due to crimes committed by people who are in the country illegally. The document asserts that thousands of American citizens are harmed each year by these individuals. It also mentions deaths caused by drugs like fentanyl, which it links to cartels and individuals crossing the border illegally. The President shared the story of Laken Riley, a young woman whose murder is attributed to an individual released into the community after illegally crossing the border. Other victims, including Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, Matthew Denice, Sarah Root, and Ivory Smith, are also mentioned. The President states these tragedies are entirely preventable. He outlines several steps his administration has taken to address illegal immigration. These actions include signing the Laken Riley Act, which the document explains requires the detention and deportation of certain individuals, and allows states to sue the federal government if immigration laws are not enforced. He also declared a National Emergency at the Southern Border and reinstated the 'Remain in Mexico' policy. Troops were deployed to the border, and cartels were designated as terrorist groups. The proclamation further discusses the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which it says increased border security personnel and funded new wall construction. The President claims these efforts have resulted in the safest border in American history, reporting a large decrease in border crossings and zero releases along the southwest border for nine months. He calls for an end to 'sanctuary policies' and urges Congress to pass Kate's Law, which would increase penalties for those who re-enter the U.S. illegally after being deported, especially if they have a criminal history. The proclamation asks Americans to honor victims and support affected families. This document is particularly interesting because it establishes a new national observance, National Angel Family Day. This day focuses on a very sensitive and often debated topic: the impact of illegal immigration on public safety. The proclamation takes a firm stance, directly connecting criminal acts and drug trafficking to individuals who are in the country without legal permission. It highlights specific legislative actions, such as the Laken Riley Act, and advocates for future measures like Kate's Law. The document also makes strong assertions about the effectiveness of current border security efforts. It claims the border is now the 'safest and most secure in American history,' reporting a large reduction in border crossings and no releases along the southwest border for several months. The proclamation shows a clear policy direction. This direction prioritizes increased enforcement, deportations, and border control. It also uses personal stories of victims to support its arguments. The document directly criticizes 'sanctuary policies' and certain 'radical politicians.' This makes the proclamation a notable statement on a major national issue. It provides insight into the administration's approach to immigration enforcement and victim advocacy, potentially setting a precedent for future actions. Many different groups would find this legal document very relevant. Families who have lost loved ones due to crimes attributed to individuals in the country illegally, often called 'Angel Families,' are the main group this document addresses. Law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), would be interested in the document's emphasis on their work. It also calls for an end to policies that might affect their operations. Local and state government officials, especially those in 'sanctuary jurisdictions,' would find this document important. This is because the proclamation criticizes such policies and mentions legal actions against states that do not enforce immigration laws. Immigration policy experts and advocacy groups, whether they support stricter enforcement or immigrant rights, would carefully study this document for its policy ideas and language. People concerned about border security, national sovereignty, and the effects of illegal immigration on society would also see this document as important. It helps them understand the administration's views and actions. Also, anyone interested in how presidential proclamations are used to influence public discussions would find this document noteworthy.