In Harris County, Texas, the head of the governing body, Judge Lina Hidalgo, urged leaders not to malign immigrants following the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was found strangled to death. Hidalgo emphasized that “evil happens regardless of immigration status” and cautioned against politicizing the young girl’s tragic death. Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela have been charged in connection with the crime. Hidalgo also blamed former President Trump and Republicans in Congress for creating the conditions that led to Nungaray’s death, while pointing out that the fact that the suspects are immigrants does not mean their immigration status led to the crime.
Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, the alleged perpetrators, reportedly met while on their way to the U.S. from Venezuela and later connected in Houston. They lured Nungaray under a bridge, sexually assaulted her, and then strangled her to death, leaving her in a creek. Martinez instructed Ramos to dispose of the body in a bayou, and both men attempted to avoid detection following the crime. Hidalgo noted during a Harris County Commissioner’s Court meeting that Martinez and Ramos could have been kept in Mexico under initial bipartisan immigration agreements, but the policies changed due to political motivations.
Hidalgo expressed her disappointment that the tragedy was being politicized, emphasizing that blaming current immigration policies for the crime was purely political. Commissioner Tom Ramsey echoed concerns about Harris County becoming a sanctuary for illegal immigrant criminals, highlighting the need to address illegal immigration and associated criminal activities. Ramsey suggested that the county’s policies of leniency towards undocumented migrants have contributed to an environment where criminals feel emboldened.
Hidalgo proposed making it a crime for employers to hire illegal immigrants as a way to curb undocumented migration, suggesting that congressional lawmakers should consider such measures if they are genuinely concerned about controlling the flow of illegal immigrants. She criticized the politicization of the tragedy and reiterated that the fact that the suspects were immigrants did not mean their immigration status was a factor in the crime. She emphasized that the country relies on immigrants for its economy to function and rejected the notion that immigrants are solely responsible for criminal activities.
The brutal murder of Jocelyn Nungaray has sparked a debate around immigration policies, sanctuary counties, and the impact of illegal immigration on criminal activities. Harris County officials are grappling with the fallout of the tragic incident and are seeking ways to address the root causes that led to the young girl’s death. The case has reignited discussions around immigration reform, border security, and the responsibilities of local authorities in ensuring the safety and security of their communities. The county’s handling of illegal immigrant criminals and the enforcement of immigration policies are under scrutiny as stakeholders seek solutions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the investigation into Jocelyn Nungaray’s murder continues, Harris County officials are facing pressure to address the underlying issues that contributed to the crime. Judge Lina Hidalgo’s call for a non-politicized approach to addressing the incident reflects a broader concern about the impact of immigration policies on public safety. The case has underscored the need for bipartisan solutions to immigration challenges and highlighted the complexities of balancing security concerns with humanitarian considerations. Moving forward, Harris County will need to navigate these issues thoughtfully and responsibly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
