Houston’s Democratic District Attorney Kim Ogg slams the Biden administration’s “absurd” catch-and-release border policy, linking it directly to the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.
At a Glance
- Kim Ogg criticizes the Harris-Biden administration’s border policy for rising violent crime in Harris County
- The murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray allegedly by released migrants sparks immigration debate
- Ogg claims 10% of Harris County jail inmates are migrants facing deportation for violent crimes
- The DA supports stricter immigration laws, warning current policies inadequately address safety concerns
- Ogg publicly backs Republican Sen. Ted Cruz’s reelection due to migrant crime concerns
A Tragic Case Ignites Political Firestorm
The brutal murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and public safety. District Attorney Kim Ogg, a Democrat, has taken a firm stance against the Biden administration’s border policies, directly linking them to rising crime rates in Harris County.
“If the two murderers had not been released with ankle monitors, which instills a false sense of security in everyone … if they hadn’t been released, Jocelyn Nungaray wouldn’t have been murdered,” Ogg stated bluntly.
The case has drawn national attention, with the suspects, Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, both Venezuelan nationals who entered the U.S. illegally. They were previously apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol and released with a notice to appear, a practice Ogg vehemently opposes.
The Catch-and-Release Controversy
Ogg’s criticism of the “catch-and-release” policy has resonated with many concerned about border security. She argues that this approach has led to an increase in violent crimes committed by migrants, particularly from countries that do not share information with American officials.
“We’re seeing colonies of Venezuelans pop up, and we’re seeing cases like Jocelyn Nungaray murdered by two Venezuelan nationals who were captured by ICE but released under the current administration’s policy. And the catch-and-release program is absurd in concept,” Ogg said.
The DA’s office reports that 10% of Harris County jail inmates are migrants facing deportation for violent crimes, a statistic Ogg uses to underscore the urgency of the situation. This stance has led her to cross party lines, publicly supporting Republican Senator Ted Cruz’s reelection campaign due to his tough stance on immigration.
A Community Divided
The Nungaray case has sparked intense debate within the community. While some, including Jocelyn’s mother, support stricter immigrant detention policies, others caution against using the tragedy for political purposes. Immigrant advocacy groups condemn the crime but argue that research indicates immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.
Despite these arguments, the emotional impact of Jocelyn’s murder has galvanized support for tougher border controls. The Justice for Jocelyn Act has been introduced to increase immigrant detention and tracking, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick supports bail reform and enhancing “Lauren’s Law” for harsher penalties in child murder cases.
Looking Ahead
As the capital murder case against Martinez Rangel and Peña Ramos proceeds, with a ruling set for September 11, the broader implications for immigration policy loom large. Ogg’s outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s approach has thrust Harris County into the national spotlight, potentially influencing the ongoing immigration debate in an election year.
With emotions running high and safety concerns at the forefront, the case of Jocelyn Nungaray serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of immigration policies. As the legal process unfolds, it’s clear that the debate over border security and public safety will continue to shape political discourse in Texas and beyond.
