Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo recently addressed the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, cautioning against blaming immigrants for the crime. Hidalgo emphasized that evil exists regardless of immigration status and urged against politicizing the incident. She pointed out that the suspects’ immigration status should not be the focus when understanding the motive behind the crime.
The two suspects, Johan Jose Rangel Martinez and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, both illegal immigrants from Venezuela, allegedly met on their journey to the U.S. and later connected in Houston. They are accused of luring Nungaray under a bridge, sexually assaulting her, and ultimately strangling her to death. The details of the crime are disturbing, with indications of a brutal assault on the young victim.
Despite the heinous nature of the crime, Hidalgo criticized former President Trump and Republicans for their role in creating conditions that led to Nungaray’s death. She highlighted the complexities of the immigration system and emphasized the need to address the root causes of such crimes rather than scapegoating immigrants.
During a meeting, Hidalgo also addressed the issue of sanctuary counties and the challenges posed by illegal immigrant criminals. She stressed the importance of holding employers accountable for hiring undocumented migrants and suggested that lawmakers should focus on comprehensive immigration reform rather than divisive rhetoric.
The case of Jocelyn Nungaray’s murder raises important questions about the intersection of immigration policy, crime, and community safety. It underscores the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration and crime. By refraining from demonizing entire communities based on the actions of a few individuals, leaders can work towards creating a more inclusive and secure environment for all residents.