Texas wildlife refuge renamed to honor Jocelyn Nungaray in official ceremony

The Trump administration recently announced the renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to honor the memory of a young girl named Jocelyn Nungaray. Jocelyn, a 12-year-old girl from Houston, was tragically killed last year by two Venezuelan illegal immigrants. In a heartfelt ceremony on Thursday, the park was officially renamed as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.

The sanctuary, spanning 39,000 acres along the Texas Gulf Coast in Anahuac, is a haven for migratory birds and wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spoke at the renaming ceremony, expressing the sentiment that the land now bears Jocelyn’s name as a tribute to her life and a reminder that her story should never be forgotten.

President Donald Trump, during his joint address to Congress in March, signed an executive order to change the name of the refuge in honor of Jocelyn. Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn’s mother, shared her surprise and gratitude for the unexpected gesture. The renaming ceremony was attended by Jocelyn’s mother, who was deeply moved by the tribute.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas also spoke at the ceremony, offering his condolences to Jocelyn’s family and emphasizing the significance of the refuge as a lasting tribute to the young girl whose life was tragically cut short. Jocelyn was known for her love of animals, and the refuge now stands as a peaceful memorial to her memory.

The tragic death of Jocelyn Nungaray brought national attention to the issue of illegal immigration and the presence of individuals with violent criminal backgrounds in the country. The suspects in her murder, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, were charged with her kidnapping, murder, and sexual assault before leaving her body under a bridge in Houston.

Prosecutors announced their intent to seek the death penalty for the accused killers, both of whom were believed to be members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. It was revealed that they had entered the U.S. illegally before committing the heinous crime.

The renaming of the refuge serves as a poignant reminder of the precious life lost and the ongoing challenges faced in addressing illegal immigration and violent crime. The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge stands as a testament to her memory and a symbol of hope for a safer future.