U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, along with Representative Brian Babin, have introduced the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act. This legislative move aims to solidify President Trump’s Executive Order that renamed the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.
Senator Cruz stated, “The murder of Jocelyn Nungaray by illegal aliens should never have happened, and I have fought to ensure justice for her and the Nungaray family. This bill would codify President Trump’s order to rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge into law, memorializing her and commemorating her life. I am proud to co-sponsor this initiative, and I urge my colleagues to immediately pass this bill in honor of Jocelyn.”
Senator Cornyn added his support by saying, “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. I am proud to lead this legislation alongside Congressman Babin to ensure President Trump’s renaming of this sanctuary to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is made permanent.”
Representative Babin emphasized the importance of honoring Jocelyn’s memory: “Jocelyn’s murder was a devastating reminder of the consequences of an unsecured border and the innocent lives lost as a result. Renaming this refuge not only honors Jocelyn’s love for animals and the outdoors, but it also ensures her beautiful spirit will live on in a place of peace and life — a stark contrast to the evil that took her from us far too soon.”
The background provided details about 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray’s tragic death on June 17, 2024. Two individuals alleged to be members of a gang have been charged with her murder in Houston. The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is located along Texas’ Gulf Coast and covers 39,000 acres. It serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife under management by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 on March 4, 2025, which officially changed its name from Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed an implementation order three days later on March 7, ensuring its official renaming.
This proposed legislation seeks permanence for this change by preventing future administrations from overturning it.
