Sen. John Cornyn to Introduce Bill for National Park Name Change

Senator John Cornyn from Texas is set to propose a bill aimed at solidifying a recent name change for a national park. This change, made by former President Donald Trump, honors a 12-year-old girl from Houston—Jocelyn Nungaray—who was tragically killed by two undocumented immigrants.

The legislation intends to complicate any future efforts by both Republican and Democratic administrations to rename the park, now known as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Reserve.

“Jocelyn Nungaray was taken from us far too soon by a brutal act, perpetrated by someone illegally in the U.S. due to President Biden’s lax border policies. Her legacy should be preserved,” Cornyn stated. He expressed pride in leading the initiative, in collaboration with Texas House Representative Brian Babin, who is ensuring the park’s renaming is formalized.

Trump initially revealed the renaming of the 39,000-acre refuge, previously called the Anahuac National Wildlife Reserve, during a congressional address in March. A ceremony to celebrate the name change took place in April.

Trump remarked on Jocelyn’s love for animals and nature, emphasizing the importance of the refuge, which provides a serene habitat for wildlife. Cornyn’s proposed bill aims to enshrine the park’s new name in law and make any future changes even more challenging.

Jocelyn’s murder, which occurred amid rising concerns about illegal immigration, has become a focal point in the ongoing 2024 presidential election debate. She reportedly fell victim to Franklin Pena, 26, and Johann Martinez Lengel, 22, who are alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. Both men face serious charges, including capital murder.

It’s unclear how this legislation will unfold, but it certainly touches on complex issues surrounding immigration, public safety, and the preservation of memories for those tragically lost.