GOP Plan to Permanently Rename Wildlife Refuge
U.S. President Donald Trump
The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge has been renamed to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge in honor of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray. A Republican-sponsored bill aims to make the park’s name change permanent.
Nungaray was murdered by two undocumented Venezuelan nationals in Houston and known to be a lover of animals. Located about 60 miles east of Houston, the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge spans 39,000 acres and serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Trump speaks at the Turning Point USA
President Donald Trump said, "One thing I have learned about Jocelyn is that she loved animals so much. She loved nature. Across Galveston Bay, from where Jocelyn lived in Houston, you will find a magnificent national wildlife refuge, a pristine, peaceful, 34,000-acre sanctuary for all of God's creatures on the edge of the Gulf of America."
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn
The refuge includes a Butterfly Garden, wetlands, and walking trails. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is now pushing legislation that would make the park's name change permanent.
John Cornyn speaks during a press conference
Cornyn said, "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."
John Cornyn speaks at a hearing
Cornyn added, "I am proud to lead this legislation alongside Congressman Brian Babin to ensure President Trump’s renaming of this sanctuary to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is made permanent."
Alexis Nungaray at a news conference
Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn’s mother, has advocated for stronger border security after her daughter’s death in mid-2024. She has shared her grief over the loss, describing Jocelyn’s deep love for animals and her desire to provide them with safe homes.
Alexis Nungaray at a court hearing
Alexis stated, "It’s very bittersweet. It’s a tragedy why this is happening in the first place, but such beauty can come in the midst of darkness."
Ventura County Medical Center
In December, Texas prosecutors announced plans to seek the death penalty for the alleged killers, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26.
Jennifer White covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
