Texas Judge Reacts to Immigration Policies Following Murder of 12-Year-Old

The tragic death of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was found strangled to death in a Houston creek, has reignited the debate over immigration policies in the United States.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo urged leaders not to blame immigrants for the murder, emphasizing that "evil happens regardless of immigration status." She emphasized that it was not fair to malign entire communities based on the actions of two individuals.

Immigration Status and the Tragic Crime

The alleged killers of Jocelyn Nungaray, Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, are reported to have met each other on their way to the U.S. from Venezuela, and later connected in Houston. Subsequently, they are said to have lured Nungaray under a bridge, sexually assaulted her, and then strangled her to death, leaving her body in a creek.

During a meeting, Hidalgo criticized former President Trump and Republicans in Congress for the conditions that led to Nungaray's death. She stated that blaming the current immigration policy was political, and suggested that congressional lawmakers should make it a crime for employers to hire illegal immigrants if they are concerned about the flow of undocumented migrants.

A Call to Action to Address Sanctuary County Concerns

Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey expressed concerns about Harris County being a sanctuary for illegal immigrant criminals. He called for a change in policies and a reversal of its status as a sanctuary county to prevent criminal activities by individuals crossing the border.

In the wake of this tragedy, the immigration debate in the United States has been reignited, as officials grapple with the complex issues surrounding immigration policies, sanctuary counties, and the safety of communities.