Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, has called for two illegal immigrants charged with killing a 12-year-old Houston girl to be sentenced to death if they are convicted. Cruz blamed President Biden’s border policies for leading to the death of Jocelyn Nungaray, who was found strangled in a creek. The suspects, Johan Jose Martinez Rangel and Franklin Pena from Venezuela, are charged with capital murder. Cruz expressed his horror at the crime, stating that if guilty, the men should receive the death penalty, and that Nungaray would still be alive if not for Biden’s open border policies.
The suspects were seen with Nungaray on Sunday night near a bridge before she was killed. Investigators tracked their movements through surveillance footage. The assistant district attorney in Harris County described how the defendants lured the 12-year-old under a bridge, tied her up, and ultimately killed her before throwing her body into the bayou. Both suspects had entered the United States illegally through Texas, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Martinez was apprehended by Border Patrol near El Paso and released with a notice to appear the same day. Pena was also apprehended near El Paso and released on the same day with a notice to appear.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security expressed condolences to Nungaray’s family and emphasized that those accused of committing such horrific crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Cruz called on Biden to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy, which required migrants applying for asylum to stay in Mexico while their cases were processed in U.S. courts. He urged the administration to end catch-and-release policies immediately to prevent the loss of innocent life. The murder of Nungaray was part of a week that saw an increase in kidnappings, murders, and rapes attributed to illegal immigrants across the country.
Cruz’s call for the death penalty for the suspects reflects his strong stance on crime committed by illegal immigrants and his criticism of the current administration’s border policies. The tragic death of Nungaray has sparked a debate over the effectiveness of these policies and the need for stricter enforcement measures. The case has also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and apprehending individuals who have entered the country illegally. The plea for justice for Nungaray and her family underscores the lasting impact of crimes committed by those who bypass legal immigration procedures.
As the investigation into Nungaray’s death continues, the focus remains on holding the suspects accountable for their alleged actions. The case has reignited concerns about public safety and national security, prompting calls for stronger border security measures. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of illegal immigration and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges posed by individuals entering the country unlawfully. It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to calls for stricter enforcement and whether policy changes will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
