WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statements after their Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge, passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk:

“Twelve-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray’s life was stolen from her by murderers who were wrongfully let into the country by the Biden-Harris administration, and we owe it to her and her family to ensure her legacy is never forgotten,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am glad the House of Representatives passed my legislation to make President Trump’s renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s honor permanent, and I look forward to the President signing it into law.”

“Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered by illegal aliens, an unspeakable crime which should have been prevented,” said Sen. Cruz. “We have a duty to honor her memory, and to bear witness alongside her family. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this which codifies President Trump’s order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.”

“Today’s vote is a step toward ensuring Jocelyn Nungaray is never forgotten,” said Rep. Babin. “This refuge will forever honor her bright spirit, her love for animals, and the beautiful life she should have been able to live. It also stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating cost of an open border — and our responsibility to prevent this kind of tragedy from ever happening again.”

Background:

On June 17, 2024, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered in Houston, Texas. Two illegal aliens who were allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been charged with her murder. Jocelyn 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.

Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the 39,000-acre refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a vital role in coastal conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Now, it will also stand as a solemn tribute to Jocelyn’s memory and a symbol of the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American communities. On March 4, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 to officially change the name from Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. On March 7, 2025, the refuge was officially renamed after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s implementation order was signed. This legislation would ensure that this renaming cannot be overturned by a future administration by codifying the refuge’s new name into law.