Austin News

In an op-ed published in the Houston Chronicle, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg urged leaders to set aside partisan differences and collaborate on practical solutions to protect children from predators who enter the country illegally. The article highlights Sen. Cruz's recent introduction of the Justice for Jocelyn Act with Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22), aimed at improving the detention and tracking of illegal aliens entering the United States.

Sen. Cruz and DA Ogg stated, “Our children’s safety should not be a partisan issue. One of us, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, is a Republican. And the other of us, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, is a Democrat. We are both working to protect our kids from predators, including those who enter the country illegally.”

The Justice for Jocelyn Act of 2024 would mandate ICE to utilize every detention center bed before releasing immigrants who entered the country illegally into an Alternatives to Detention program and immediately deport those who violate their release terms.

DA Ogg has formed a Homicide Division in Houston focusing on prosecuting dangerous killers, including those responsible for Jocelyn Nungaray's murder. She has expressed support for Sen. Cruz’s legislation, stating it will enhance public safety.

The op-ed recounts past cases such as the 1993 murders of Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Peña by gang members, including José Medellín, an illegal immigrant. The authors emphasize that similar brutal attacks continue to occur due to failed border policies.

Jocelyn Nungaray was found murdered on June 17, 2024, with two Venezuelan nationals charged in her death after entering Texas illegally and being released under an Alternatives to Detention program despite available ICE detention center beds.

The authors argue that current "catch and release" policies fail to protect citizens and call for bipartisan cooperation on effective measures like the Justice for Jocelyn Act.

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