Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) welcomed Angel Families to Washington, D.C. on April 9 to mark the one-year anniversary of the reopening of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office. The event recognized families affected by crimes committed by non-citizens and highlighted the services provided by the VOICE Office since its relaunch.
The occasion is significant for victims seeking support and information after experiencing harm due to crimes involving non-citizens. The VOICE Office was originally established during President Donald Trump's first administration, then closed under President Joe Biden, before being reopened last year.
According to ICE, over the past year, the VOICE Office has received nearly 900 calls from victims, family members, and advocates seeking assistance. Of these calls, 32% involved violent assault, 15% rape or sexual assault, 9% homicide or manslaughter, 7% family or partner violence, and 6% stalking or intimidation.
Three mothers who lost children due to crimes committed by non-citizens—Jennifer Bos, Patricia Fox, and Agnes Gibboney—spoke at a press conference about their experiences. "President Trump has so passionately tried to honor and support Angel Families," said Jennifer Bos. "He created the VOICE office in his first term. The Biden administration didn’t have any use for it... They were there to listen to our needs... It was very reassuring." Patricia Fox added: "Thank you for the only justice and closure that my family will ever receive... Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime. There are repercussions and my family lives it every day." Agnes Gibboney said: "When I connected with the ICE VOICE office it gave me something I desperately needed: peace of mind was one... That mattered more to me than I can put into words... I still refer other families to VOICE because I know the value of the office because I truly believe in it."
Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated: "President Trump and I will never stop fighting for justice for American victims and their families who have been harmed by illegal aliens who should have never been in our country... These victims and their families are why we work around the clock to arrest and deport illegal aliens from our communities." ICE Director Todd M. Lyons said: "These numbers represent real people... The VOICE Office exists to ensure they are heard, informed, and treated with dignity they deserve."
According to ICE officials at this event marking America's upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary year milestone, nearly 70 percent of non-citizens arrested by ICE law enforcement have either committed or been charged with a crime in the United States.
Victims seeking support can contact the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at 1-855-488-6423.
