Cruz, Cornyn Bill to Make Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after their Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act, which codifies President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge, was signed into law by President Trump.

Sen. Cruz said, “I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues in Congress and to President Trump for signing into law the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act. This bill will rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s memory. Jocelyn was murdered by illegal aliens, an unspeakable crime that should have never occurred. We have a duty to commemorate her life alongside her family.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “Last year, Jocelyn Nungaray’s life was stolen from her by dangerous illegal immigrants who were wrongfully let into the country by the Biden-Harris administration, and today we ensure her life and legacy are never forgotten. I want to thank President Trump for swiftly signing my legislation to permanently rename of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s honor and was proud to join today’s White House bill signing ceremony.”

Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) led this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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 law will ensure that this renaming cannot be overturned by a future administration by codifying the refuge’s new name into law.