Tragic Story of Jocelyn Nungarei Inspires Call for Border Security
In an emotional account, Alexis Nungarei, mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungarei, reveals to a news outlet that two illegal immigrants, believed to be affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, are suspected in her daughter’s murder. In honoring her daughter, Alexis has decided to name a local wildlife shelter after Jocelyn, which she describes as “meaning the world” to her.
Jocelyn was tragically sexually assaulted and strangled by two Venezuelan nationals, identified as Franklin Jose Pena Ramos and Johann Jose Langel Martinez. Her body was discovered tied up in a bayou in Houston.
Following the horrific loss of her daughter, Alexis has taken on the role of advocating for stricter border security and has voiced her support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
In a recent interview, she stated that while Jocelyn’s death is a painful reminder of the risks involved, the newly named 39,000-acre wildlife shelter on the Texas Gulf Coast is a tribute to the joys her daughter found in life.
Trump’s Executive Order Renames Wildlife Reserve in Jocelyn’s Honor
On March 5, President Trump signed an executive order to rename a national wildlife refuge in southeastern Houston to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. This significant recognition aims to honor Jocelyn’s memory.
Following the executive order, Texas Senator John Cornyn and Representative Brian Babin introduced legislation aimed at solidifying this renaming, making it harder for future administrations to change. The Senate has passed the bill, with Babin actively seeking its approval in the House.
Babin expressed his hope that bipartisan support will facilitate the passage of this legislation, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jocelyn’s legacy. He noted, “This is a beautiful place, and I think if we name her, we’ll protect her legacy.” He added that implementing this into law is critical to ensuring no similar incident occurs in the future, particularly when poor policy can lead to tragedies affecting innocent lives.
Texas Lawmakers Push for Federal Reimbursements
Nungarei expressed that efforts to name the shelter in her daughter’s honor “will touch every part of my heart and my family.” She fondly shared how Jocelyn had a deep love for animals and nature, revealing that her daughter wanted every creature to find a safe home.
The appearance of signs around Houston recognizing her daughter felt “bittersweet,” as Nungarei reflected on the positive changes they’d bring to the community.
She described visiting the wildlife refuge, feeling a sense of peace, and recalling how Jocelyn would have loved it. “It was so pure and peaceful,” she reflected. “I immediately thought Jocelyn loved this. She would want to be here.” Nungarei stressed that her daughter was more than the tragedy of her death; she was a creative soul with a unique personality and a joy for life.
Advocating for Change
With a soft smile, Nungarei summarized her daughter’s character, stating, “She was very different and unique. She was a great friend.” Determined to be a voice for Jocelyn, she highlighted the need for better immigration laws, firmly believing that Jocelyn’s tragic fate was entirely preventable.
She expressed gratitude towards Trump for his immigration enforcement efforts, stating that while she supports immigration, there must be a distinction between the right and wrong ways to approach it. “It’s about safety for our community,” she emphasized, acknowledging the long road ahead in the fight for improved policies.
