Jocelyn Nungaray tribute: During his March 4, 2025, address, Trump renamed a wildlife refuge to honor the murdered 12-year-old Texas girl. Trump announced it in front of Congress after introducing her mother, Alexis Nungaray.
A Tribute to Jocelyn Nungaray
Trump stated that the 34,000-acre sanctuary, located near Galveston Bay, will now bear Jocelyn’s name as a lasting tribute. The decision comes as part of a new executive order aimed at honoring victims of violent crimes.
“Alexis, moments ago, I formally renamed that refuge in loving memory of your beautiful daughter, Jocelyn,” Trump said.
The Tragic Case
Jocelyn Nungaray was murdered on June 17, 2024. Her body was discovered near a Texas bridge after she was strangled. Police identified two suspects, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Peña, 26, who were charged with capital murder.
According to Houston police, the suspects approached Jocelyn after she left her family’s apartment that night. They lured her from a 7-Eleven convenience store before taking her to the bridge where the crime took place.
Seeking Justice
The suspects remain in custody with a $10 million bond each. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has announced plans to seek the death penalty against both men.
“Jocelyn’s murder was as vile, brutal, and senseless as any case I have seen,” said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. “If authorities had detained these two men after capturing them at the border, Jocelyn would still be alive today.”
The Jocelyn Nungaray Act
In addition to renaming the wildlife refuge, lawmakers have proposed the Jocelyn Nungaray Act, a legislative measure aimed at tightening immigration policies and preventing violent crimes by undocumented immigrants. The bill has already gained traction among Republican lawmakers and will likely dominate upcoming congressional discussions.
A Mother’s Sorrow
Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn’s mother, has publicly spoken her grief and demanded justice. She has also expressed support for programs aimed at averting future disasters of this kind.
In addition to calling for changes in immigration enforcement and crime prevention, the designation of the Jocelyn Nungaray Wildlife Refuge serves as a memory of the little girl’s life.
Source: USA Today
