Bill to be introduced codifying Trump EO renaming national park after murdered Texas girl
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is set to introduce a bill that will solidify President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename a national park after a 12-year-old Houston girl who was tragically killed by two illegal immigrants. The bill aims to prevent future administrations from changing the name of the sanctuary, now known as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.
Cornyn expressed his commitment to preserving Jocelyn Nungaray’s legacy, stating, “Jocelyn Nungaray was taken from this world far too soon at the hands of brutal killers who were in the U.S. illegally due to President Biden’s open-border policies, and her legacy deserves to live on forever.” He emphasized the importance of honoring her memory and ensuring that the sanctuary remains dedicated to her.
The sanctuary, previously known as the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, was renamed in honor of Jocelyn Nungaray during a ceremony in April. President Trump, during his joint address to Congress, highlighted Jocelyn’s love for animals and nature, making the renaming of the park a poignant tribute to her memory.
Cornyn’s bill seeks to enshrine the new name of the park into law, making it more challenging to alter in the future. The legislation acknowledges Jocelyn’s passion for nature and animals, aligning the sanctuary’s renaming with her interests and values.
The tragic murder of Jocelyn Nungaray sparked national attention and became a focal point during the 2024 presidential election, with Trump campaigning on a platform of cracking down on illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities. The suspects, Franklin Pena and Johan Martinez-Rangel, alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, entered the U.S. illegally and now face capital murder charges and the death penalty for Jocelyn’s heinous killing.
Cornyn’s bill underscores the importance of honoring Jocelyn Nungaray’s memory and ensuring that her legacy is preserved through the permanent renaming of the sanctuary in her honor. By introducing this legislation, Cornyn aims to uphold the sanctity of the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge and commemorate the young girl who was taken too soon.
