Reuters
(Washington, DC) – Two years after the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, former President Donald Trump announced that February 22 will now be recognized as National Angel Family Day. The declaration comes on the anniversary of Riley’s death, a case that reignited national debate over border security and immigration enforcement.
The 2024 Murder
Riley, a 22-year-old University of Georgia student, was killed while out for a run near campus on February 22, 2024. Authorities later arrested a Venezuelan national who had entered the United States illegally, according to federal immigration records cited by officials at the time.
The case quickly became a flashpoint in the broader immigration debate, with Republicans arguing it highlighted systemic failures in border enforcement, while Democrats warned against politicizing a tragedy.
Immigration at the Center of 2026 Politics
Immigration remains one of the most defining issues of the current political landscape. Border crossings, asylum policies, and enforcement measures continue to dominate headlines and campaign messaging.
The announcement is likely to energize Trump’s base while further sharpening the national divide over immigration policy.
Two years after Laken Riley’s death, her name continues to resonate far beyond Georgia — now tied to a newly declared national day aimed at honoring families who say their lives were forever changed.
