SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem traveled to San Bernardino yesterday to meet privately with Agnes Gibboney, a prominent advocate for “Angel Families” whose son was murdered by an undocumented gang member.
The visit highlights the Department’s renewed focus on the human cost of illegal immigration and the impact of violent crime committed by non-citizens. Mrs. Gibboney’s son, Ronald Da Silva, was killed in 2002 by a member of an El Monte gang who was in the United States illegally from Mexico.
“Yesterday, I visited Agnes at her home in San Bernardino,” Secretary Noem stated following the meeting. “Agnes Gibboney’s son Ronald was killed by an El Monte gang member who was in our country illegally. This is why we do what we do at DHS.”
During the visit, Secretary Noem expressed her condolences and listened to Gibboney’s story of loss and her years of subsequent activism. Gibboney has long been a vocal critic of “sanctuary” policies, arguing that stricter immigration enforcement could have prevented her son’s death.
The Secretary used the meeting to signal a hardline stance on interior enforcement and border security, framing the issue as a matter of public safety for American families.
“We will always stand with Ronald, Agnes, and every Angel family,” Noem added.
The term “Angel Families” refers to Americans whose family members have been killed by individuals residing in the country illegally. The meeting is seen by political analysts as a clear indication that the Department of Homeland Security will prioritize the removal of criminal undocumented immigrants and maintain close ties with victims’ rights groups to drive policy changes.
The Department is expected to announce further initiatives regarding gang enforcement and deportation priorities in the coming weeks.
