ICYMI - Angel Families Join Congressman Hamadeh for Introduction of the Border Memorial Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) introduced the American Border Story Memorial Act, joined by "Angel families," who have lost loved ones to the ravages created by former President Joe Biden's broken border and the cartels' deadly drug trade.

Cosponsors of the bill include Congressmen August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-5), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22), Pete Sessions (R-TX-17), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2), and Brandon Gill (R-TX-26).

This legislation would establish a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the victims of the open border and illegal immigration. No taxpayer dollars will be used to build the memorial wall. The memorial complies fully with the Commemorative Works Act and will be established by The American Border Story (TABS), a nonprofit organization.

Congressman Hamadeh believes that while these families are often featured in discussions advocating stricter immigration enforcement and border security, their personal loss should be memorialized, and the wall will also serve as a reminder of the costs of bad policy.

Congressman Hamadeh thanked President Trump for taking swift action to secure our borders immediately upon taking office, proving that it could be done despite Democrats', former Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas', and President Biden's claims that a more secure border was not possible.

Angel family members in attendance included Mary Ann Mendoza; mother of Sgt. Brandon Mendoza, Agnes Judit Gibboney; mother of Ronald Da Silva, Joe Abraham; father of Katie Abraham, Anne Fundner; mother of Weston Fundner, Jane Gray; mother of Nicole Gray, Wanda Dequardo; mother of Christian Knight, and Anatoly Varfolomeev; father of Anya Varfolomeev. The families shared their stories of loss and what this bill means to them during the holiday season.

"This bill authorizes a permanent national memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring U.S. citizens and lawful residents whose lives are taken by individuals unlawfully present in the United States," Congressman Hamadeh said at the press conference, surrounded by Angel family members. "But in many ways, it also shames the politicians who allowed this situation to happen."

"For four years, the Biden-Harris administration allowed criminal illegal aliens to pour into our country, and Americans have been living with the consequences ever since. Texans have disproportionately endured the devastating impacts as local communities saw resources depleted, law enforcement agencies stretched beyond capacity, and private property damaged," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). "Most tragically, countless Americans have lost their lives to these criminals who should never have been here in the first place. I am honored to co-sponsor Rep. Hamadeh's American Border Story Memorial Act to establish a permanent memorial on the National Mall honoring those whose lives were cut short and ensuring their stories are preserved for generations to come."