Congress votes to honor slain Texas girl by renaming wildlife refuge after her, with bipartisan support and White House approval expected.

Congress Acts to Memorialize Jocelyn Nungaray

The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously approved legislation to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas as the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge," honoring the memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was tragically killed in Houston last year. The bill passed with a resounding 372–0 vote, reflecting rare bipartisan unity on a matter of national mourning and remembrance. Fifty-nine lawmakers did not participate in the vote, a common occurrence for uncontroversial bills when members have other obligations.

The bill, which initially advanced in the Senate under the leadership of Texas Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, will now head to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature. A ceremonial event marking the renaming was held in April, but the latest passage in the House ensures the change is permanent once enacted by the president.

Tragedy That Captured National Attention

Jocelyn Nungaray was sexually assaulted and killed in June 2024 in North Houston, Texas. Her body was discovered with her hands and ankles bound in a bayou, an incident that shocked the community and drew widespread media attention. Venezuelan nationals Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, have been charged with her murder. Both individuals were in the country illegally, according to authorities.

The killing reignited debate over border security and immigration policy in the United States. Republican leaders pointed to the tragedy as evidence of what they described as the former Biden administration's inadequate enforcement at the border. The Nungaray case became one of several high-profile incidents last year involving accused illegal immigrants, placing renewed scrutiny on the nation’s immigration system and public safety protocols.

A Legacy of Remembrance and Reform

The unanimous House vote underscores Congress’s resolve to honor Jocelyn’s life and acknowledge the impact her story had on the national conversation about security and justice. Renaming the wildlife refuge in her memory serves as a lasting tribute to her and a symbol of the broader commitment to protect vulnerable communities.

With the bill now awaiting President Trump’s signature, the renaming is expected to become official, cementing Jocelyn Nungaray’s legacy in Texas and beyond. Lawmakers and advocates hope that the gesture not only commemorates a young life lost but also inspires ongoing efforts to address the underlying issues of public safety and immigration reform.