The House of Representatives has unanimously voted to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas as the ‘Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge’ in honor of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly slain by illegal immigrants. The legislation, which passed with a 372–0 vote, with 59 lawmakers not voting, was originally led by Texas Republicans Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz. The renamed preserve will now serve as a permanent tribute to Nungaray, whose tragic death in June 2024 has sparked renewed debate over immigration policies and border security. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law, making the renaming official.
Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted and killed in North Houston, Texas, in June 2024. She was found with her hands and ankles bound in a bayou. Venezuelan nationals Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, are charged with her murder. The case has intensified discussions about the worsening border crisis in the U.S., with Republicans blaming the former Biden administration’s lax border enforcement for the growing number of illegal immigrants crossing the border. Nungaray’s case was one of multiple high-profile killings involving accused illegal immigrants last year, underscoring the broader issues of public safety and immigration policy in the United States.
The renaming of the refuge was initially held in April, but the legislation’s Monday evening passage makes it permanent. The move has been praised as a way to remember Nungaray and honor her memory. It also reflects the growing bipartisan support for addressing immigration-related crimes and ensuring that such incidents are not repeated. While the bill was not contested, the overwhelming support signals a shift in the national conversation regarding the impact of illegal immigration on American communities. The case has become a focal point for political leaders and lawmakers on both sides to address the complexities of border security and the need for stricter enforcement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.