Angel Families thank Trump in new Thanksgiving video for his border security efforts: 'We appreciate you'

The American Border Story (TABS) has launched a compelling new video, showcasing Angel Families—those who have tragically lost loved ones in incidents linked to the border crisis. These families express their appreciation for President Trump’s firm approach to immigration control.

Unveiled on November 22 in celebration of Thanksgiving, the 11-minute video spotlights the voices of more than a dozen Angel Families, accompanied by country music artist Alexis Wilkins, as they extend their thanks to Trump and his administration.

Among them is Joe Abraham, whose daughter Katie tragically died in a drunk-driving incident involving an illegal immigrant. He commended the president for making border security a priority and working towards safer communities.

Joe Abraham expressed his hopes for continued commitment, saying, “We really don’t want any other families to endure the pain and despair we’re experiencing. Keep up the good work, and we appreciate you. Happy Thanksgiving.”

OPED-ILL-ICE-RAID-ABRAHAM-COMMENTARY-TB

Joe Abraham is pictured holding a photograph with his 20-year-old daughter, Katie Abraham, at their home in Glenview, Illinois, on September 10, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Anne Fundner, mourning the loss of her 15-year-old son Weston to fentanyl poisoning, praised Trump, calling him “the greatest president America has ever had.”

“You spoke his name with honor and reminded me that Weston is looking down so proud,” Fundner said. “President Trump, you work tirelessly, nonstop to protect Americans and keep our country safe. I am so honored and grateful to call you my president. I thank God for you every single day.”

Agnes Gibboney, whose son Ronald Da Silva was murdered by an illegal immigrant in California in 2002, thanked Trump for his “courage, strength, determination, and love for our country.”

2024 Republican National Convention: Day 2

Anne Fundner reacts while speaking on stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“Thank you and your administration for securing our borders and deporting criminal illegal aliens and for keeping Americans safe,” Gibboney said. “Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.”

Debbie Santini, who lost her son Jesse Byrd to fentanyl poisoning in 2022, thanked the president for “everything you’ve done and continue to do for families like mine.”

Other messages of gratitude came from Kim Novak, Jacqueline Long, Greg Crews, Lupe Morfin, Angie Morfin, Jane Gray, Laura Wilkerson, Chris Odette, April Babcock, Kathy Hall, Jody Jones, Donald DeQuardo, Wanda DeQuardo, Marie Vega, Javier Vega, Rebecca Elmaksoud, Anatoly Varfolomeev, Uloma Anyanwu, Mary Ann Mendoza and Tena Pruitt. 

President Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys

US President Donald Trump, right, and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 25, 2025.  (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In closing the video, Wilkins thanked the Trump administration for “the leaps and bounds made in infrastructure, in legislation, and in justice for these families and everything that they have been through.”

“On behalf of everyone at The American Border Story, thank you, Mr. President. Happy Thanksgiving,” Wilkins said. 

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