‘Angel families’ urge Republicans to pass ‘big beautiful bill’ and secure border to prevent tragedies
Angel families, who have tragically lost loved ones to crimes committed by illegal immigrants and gang members, are urging congressional Republicans to pass President Trump’s proposed bill to secure the border and expedite deportations. The families, consisting of parents who have buried their children due to the government’s failure to protect its borders, penned an open letter to Congress calling for action and change.
Over 60 angel relatives, including parents of victims like Jocelyn Nungaray and Laken Riley, have signed the letter, sharing their heartbreaking stories of loss at the hands of illegal migrants and gang members. The proposed bill, currently under deliberation in the House, includes funding of $46.5 billion for the construction of a US-Mexico border wall, the hiring of 10,000 new ICE officers by 2030, and an increase in detention facility beds by up to 100,000.
Additionally, the bill aims to provide over $2 billion in bonuses for Border Patrol agents, enhance vetting procedures for unaccompanied minors to identify gang affiliations, and expedite deportation proceedings with a goal of up to 1 million removals per year. However, there are some concerns within the Republican party regarding the bill’s fiscal implications and certain deductions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for unity among party members to pass the legislation through budget reconciliation by Memorial Day. President Trump has expressed confidence in the party’s unity but has acknowledged differing priorities among members. The bill, if passed through reconciliation, would require a simple majority in both chambers of Congress.
Despite some internal discord, Republicans are united in their support for increased border security measures included in the bill. Families like that of Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was murdered by an illegal immigrant, are advocating for the bill’s passage to prevent further tragedies caused by lax immigration policies.
The “angel families” emphasized in their letter that they have long been overlooked or dismissed as political tools, despite their profound loss. They stress the preventable nature of these tragedies and urge Washington to prioritize solutions over excuses. The pain and suffering of these families serve as a stark reminder of the importance of securing the border and protecting American citizens from criminal elements.
