The phone rang in the dead of night, shattering Angie Morfin’s world. It wasn’t a wrong number, or a friendly call. It was the sound of a mother’s worst nightmare realized – news that her 13-year-old son, Ruben, had been brutally murdered. He was an innocent boy, caught in a senseless act of violence.
Ruben, nicknamed “Nino” for his small stature, had been sent to stay with his grandparents for the holidays, a precaution against the growing gang presence in their neighborhood. But safety proved elusive. In the winter of 1990, in Salinas, California, he was chased down and shot in the back of the head by a Mexican national with a criminal past.
Decades later, the pain remains raw. “I cry for him today, like if it was just yesterday,” Morfin confessed, her voice heavy with grief. She has dedicated the last 34 years to ensuring her son’s death wasn’t in vain, becoming a powerful advocate for victims of crimes committed by undocumented individuals.
Morfin recently issued a direct plea to the incoming Homeland Security head, Senator Markwayne Mullin, urging him to continue prioritizing the safety of American citizens. She hopes he will “listen to Angel Families and stand with us,” preventing other mothers from receiving the devastating call she endured.
The current administration insists its firm stance on immigration enforcement will not waver. Officials emphasize a commitment to prioritizing the deportation of criminal undocumented immigrants who pose a threat to American communities. They point to a significant number of departures – approximately three million – through deportation and voluntary return.
Data reveals a clear focus on arresting those with criminal records; nearly 70% of arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement involve individuals charged or convicted of crimes within the United States. This strategy, officials say, is about protecting innocent lives and preventing future tragedies.
Senator Mullin, currently navigating a rigorous Senate confirmation process, has stated his intention to protect all Americans, regardless of background. He acknowledges the need to rise above partisan divisions and focus on the fundamental duty of safeguarding citizens.
Advocacy groups, like The American Border Story, echo Morfin’s call for continued support and recognition of “Angel Families” – those forever marked by loss. They emphasize the importance of ensuring these voices are heard and that their stories directly influence policy decisions.
The hope is that by remembering Ruben and countless others, a future can be forged where no mother has to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child to senseless violence. It’s a fight fueled by grief, driven by a desperate desire for a safer tomorrow.
