Texas wildlife refuge renamed for girl brutally murdered by undocumented immigrants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with Congressman Brian Babin, introduced Tuesday the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act, which would make permanent President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas.

The legislation honors the memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was brutally murdered in 2024 by individuals illegally present in the United States.

“Jocelyn Nungaray was taken far too soon, and her legacy deserves to live on,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill ensures President Trump’s action is preserved in law. The murder of Jocelyn by illegal aliens was a preventable tragedy, and this renaming stands as a lasting memorial.”

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Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the newly named Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge spans over 39,000 acres and serves as a critical sanctuary for migratory birds and native wildlife. The refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, also supports public recreation and environmental education. President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 on March 4, 2025, to rename the site, and it was officially implemented on March 7, 2025.

“Jocelyn loved animals and nature,” said Rep. Babin. “And this refuge is a fitting tribute to her life and spirit.”

By codifying the order into law, this bill ensures that future administrations cannot reverse the renaming, providing a permanent tribute to Jocelyn and a reminder of the importance of secure U.S. borders.