Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Troy Nehls, both Republicans from Texas, have reintroduced the Justice for Jocelyn Act in response to the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston last year. The legislation aims to enhance the detention and tracking of illegal aliens entering the United States.

Senator Cruz commented on the introduction of the bill: “Last year, I began the fight for justice for 12-year-old Jocelyn. The aliens responsible for her murder crossed the southern border illegally and should have been detained by ICE. Democrats’ reckless open-border policies prevented ICE and Border Patrol agents from acting, left thousands of detention center beds empty, and allowed these criminals to go free. Congress should act with urgency to ensure no other American family ever has to endure what Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, has been forced to face. Standing alongside Alexis in this fight for justice has been an immense privilege, and I will not stop fighting until our communities are safe and justice is served.”

Representative Nehls expressed his support: “I am proud to join my Texas colleague in the Senate, Senator Ted Cruz, in reintroducing the Justice for Jocelyn Act. Jocelyn Nungaray’s death was entirely preventable. The Justice for Jocelyn Act would improve the detention and tracking of illegal aliens released into the United States and would put the safety of the American people first. Congress must immediately pass this legislation and get it to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”

The legislation was introduced with support from Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) as well as Representatives Wesley Hunt (R-Texas-38) and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.-5).

The background provided details that two Venezuelan illegal aliens were involved in Jocelyn's murder while being part of DHS's "Alternative to Detention" program. The proposed act seeks stricter measures by requiring every ICE detention bed be filled before considering release under ATD programs, along with continuous GPS monitoring.

Senator Cruz's past legal achievements include a notable Supreme Court victory in Medellín v. Texas when he defended Texas courts' authority against international mandates regarding foreign nationals' sentencing.