Cornyn and Babin Seek to Permanently Rename Wildlife Refuge in Honor of Murdered Houston Girl

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) are spearheading a legislative effort to codify the renaming of a national wildlife refuge in Texas after Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston who was tragically murdered. The bill aims to enshrine into law former President Donald Trump’s executive order, solidifying the name change and making it significantly more difficult for any future administration to revert it. The move comes amid heightened debate over border security and immigration policies, with Nungaray’s death becoming a focal point in the ongoing political discourse.

The proposed legislation seeks to formally designate the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, a 39,000-acre sanctuary along the Texas Gulf Coast, as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. The renaming was initially announced by Trump during a joint address to Congress in March and was followed by an official renaming ceremony in April. Cornyn and Babin argue that codifying the name change into law is essential to honor Nungaray’s memory and ensure that her legacy endures.

Cornyn emphasized the importance of preserving the renaming, 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 further asserted his pride in leading the legislation alongside Babin, aiming to make the renaming permanent.

Babin echoed Cornyn’s sentiments, highlighting the profound impact of Nungaray’s murder on the community. "The heartbreaking murder of Jocelyn Nungaray shook our community to its core, and it never should have happened," Babin stated. He positioned the legislation as a clear message emphasizing the necessity of securing the border and restoring the rule of law. Babin also aligned the effort with Trump’s agenda, stating, "President Trump’s leadership is making America safe again, and we are proud to stand with him to ensure that no family ever has to endure such a tragedy again."

Both Cornyn and Babin have framed the initiative as a non-partisan issue, appealing to a sense of shared American values. Babin stated, "Honoring Jocelyn isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue — it’s an American issue." This approach seeks to garner broader support for the legislation and transcend partisan divides.

The bill’s text specifically mentions Nungaray’s affinity for animals and the natural world, highlighting the appropriateness of renaming the wildlife refuge in her honor. "Ms. Nungaray loved animals and, given the close proximity of her hometown of Houston, it is fitting that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge be renamed in her honor," the text states. Cornyn noted that he learned of Nungaray’s love of nature while connecting with her family, further emphasizing the personal connection driving the legislative effort.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Nungaray’s death have fueled the political debate surrounding immigration and border security. Nungaray was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and strangled to death in June 2024. Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Martinez-Rangel, 22, have been charged with capital murder in connection with her death. Prosecutors have stated that both men are alleged members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, and had entered the United States illegally.

The case has drawn national attention, particularly due to the alleged immigration status of the suspects and their purported ties to a criminal organization. Trump, during his presidential campaign, has repeatedly invoked Nungaray’s murder as evidence of the need for stricter immigration policies and the deportation of criminals residing in the U.S. illegally.

The proposed legislation to rename the wildlife refuge reflects the broader political climate surrounding immigration and crime. Republicans have increasingly focused on cases involving undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes, using them to advocate for stricter border enforcement and stricter immigration laws. Democrats have generally pushed back against these narratives, arguing that they unfairly demonize immigrants and that the focus should be on comprehensive immigration reform that addresses both border security and the integration of undocumented immigrants into society.

The bill’s passage could face challenges in Congress, particularly in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority. While some Democrats may be willing to support the legislation as a gesture of respect for Nungaray’s memory, others may oppose it due to concerns about the political implications of associating themselves with Trump’s immigration policies.

The legislation highlights the intersection of personal tragedy, political debate, and policy decisions. The renaming of the wildlife refuge serves as a symbolic gesture to honor Nungaray’s life, but it also underscores the complex and often contentious issues surrounding immigration, border security, and criminal justice. The debate over the bill is likely to continue as it moves through the legislative process. The outcome will depend on the ability of Cornyn and Babin to garner bipartisan support and navigate the political complexities of the current environment.

The case also brings attention to the growing concerns surrounding the Tren de Aragua gang and its potential impact on communities across the United States. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly focused on tracking and disrupting the gang’s activities, but the challenges are significant due to the gang’s transnational nature and its involvement in a wide range of criminal enterprises.

The effort to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge after Jocelyn Nungaray is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for both local and national politics. The legislation reflects the deep divisions within American society over immigration and border security, as well as the powerful emotions evoked by the tragic loss of a young life. As the bill moves forward, it is certain to generate further debate and scrutiny.