In response to the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, Senator Ted Cruz alongside Representative Troy Nehls, introduced the "Justice for Jocelyn Act" aimed at revamping the policies surrounding the detention and monitoring of undocumented immigrants entering the U.S. The proposed legislation calls for full utilization of ICE detention facilities and continuous GPS tracking of those not detained.
Under the "Justice for Jocelyn Act," should ICE detention facilities reach maximum capacity, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary is mandated to make all reasonable attempts to retain custody of a detained individual, as per a statement by Sen. Cruz. In the wake of this tragedy, Senator Cruz and Representative Nehls criticized the handling of the suspects, stating that the incident was entirely preventable. According to FOX 26, Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, believes the proposed act could have saved her daughter's life and urges support for the bill.
Jocelyn Nungaray was allegedly murdered by Johan Jose Martinez Rangel and Franklin Pena, two Venezuelan nationals illegally in the United States. Found in a shallow creek on June 17, she had been strangled, a fact substantiated by the medical examiner. Jocelyn had reportedly snuck out of her home the night prior to her tragic discovery. In a report by KPRC 2+, authorities say the suspects removed her pants, tied her up, and murdered her before disposing of her body in the bayou.
Suspects Martinez-Rangel was previously apprehended by Border Patrol on March 14, and Pena on May 28, near El Paso, Texas. Released and scheduled for a later court appearance, both are now held under immigration custody, possibly to remain even if able to post bond. “Jocelyn Nungaray’s horrific death was entirely preventable. The illegal aliens charged with murdering her should have been held in ICE custody, but they were allowed into the U.S. despite the availability of thousands of open detention center beds. No parent should have to feel the anguish that Jocelyn’s mother Alexis is suffering. No family should have to live in fear that a violent criminal from another country is wandering their neighborhood intending to harm their children. No ICE or Border Patrol agent should have their hands tied when an illegal alien commits a crime. Congress needs to wake up and act decidedly to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again,” Senator Cruz told KPRC 2+.
The "Justice for Jocelyn Act" could represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement policy if enacted, amplifying efforts to detain and track undocumented individuals accused of crimes. It is a direct legislative response to a case that has stirred the local community and the nation, inviting a broader dialogue on immigration enforcement and public safety.
