The Department of the Interior led a ceremony to unveil the newly renamed Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge yesterday, reflecting a move ordered by former President Donald Trump. The name change serves to honor the memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was murdered in June 2024 in North Houston. Officials cite this tragic event as highlighting the urgency for stronger border security. During the ceremony, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Governor Greg Abbott, and other key figures, including Jocelyn's mother, Alexis Nungaray, gathered to pay their respects.
According to a Department of the Interior press release, Secretary Burgum remarked, "the refuge named in honor of Jocelyn Nungaray serves as a lasting tribute to her memory and a symbol of hope, reflection, and justice." He further emphasized the dual commitment to protecting the nation's children and natural spaces. The renaming is not just a memorial for Jocelyn but also a stark reminder of the connectedness between the safety of our people and the policies that govern our borders.
The Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Paul Souza, among others, was present to express solidarity and support for the Nungaray family. The event focused on transforming an area of natural beauty into a site with profound human significance. It now stands as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a locale for people to contemplate justice and communal security.
