The simple act of walking to a convenience store for a soda – it’s something countless American children do every day in neighborhoods across our nation. For 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray of Houston, that ordinary evening errand in June turned into every parent’s worst nightmare, exposing the devastating consequences of America’s broken immigration system.

What happened to young Jocelyn shocked the conscience of the nation and became a rallying cry for border security during the historic 2024 election. Now, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House with a mandate to secure our borders, justice is finally being served in this heartbreaking case.

As a father myself, I can’t imagine the nightmare of having my child murdered by someone who shouldn’t have been in our country in the first place. The brutal murder of this innocent seventh-grader revealed the deadly price of the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies.

In a powerful announcement that signals a new era of law enforcement, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg revealed Friday that her office will seek the death penalty against Johan Jose Martinez Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26.

These Venezuelan nationals had been in the country less than three weeks after being released through Biden’s “Alternatives to Detention” program. The suspects, believed to be members of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, are accused of luring Jocelyn from the store, taking her to a bridge, and committing unspeakable acts before strangling her and disposing of her body in a creek.

“We are seeking death because we want the message out there that, regardless of who you are, but especially if you are illegally in this country, that you will face the same consequences as anyone else for murdering a child during the course of raping and kidnapping,” Ogg declared.

Look, I’ve had enough of Democrats telling us their open borders aren’t causing real harm to real American families. This case proves them wrong. For Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, the path to justice has been intertwined with a mission to prevent other families from suffering similar tragedies. In September, she delivered powerful testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee, revealing how Biden’s border policies directly led to her daughter’s death.

“Because of the Biden-Harris administration open border policies, catch and release, they were enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program,” Nungaray told lawmakers. “It was not even a full three weeks later that they would take my daughter Jocelyn Nungaray’s life.”

Her courage in speaking out caught the attention of then-candidate Trump, who invited her to join him at campaign events focused on border security. As Americans witnessed the grieving mother’s testimony and saw the human cost of failed immigration policies, support grew for stronger border enforcement – contributing to Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris in November.

The timing of the death penalty announcement reflects a broader shift in how America’s justice system is responding to violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants. With Trump’s election signaling a clear mandate for stricter border control, prosecutors appear more emboldened to pursue maximum penalties.

“The Democratic policies of open borders have failed the American public,” DA Ogg stated. “If the Justice for Jocelyn Act filed by Senator Ted Cruz or any of the policies that President-elect Trump is pushing had been in effect, then it’s likely that Jocelyn Nungaray would be alive today.”

Let me be clear – this isn’t about politics. This is about protecting our kids from preventable tragedies caused by failed liberal policies. While immigration advocates argue that most immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens, the particularly heinous nature of this case highlights the preventable tragedies that occur when violent criminals exploit weak border policies.

As 2024 draws to a close and America prepares for new leadership, Jocelyn’s case stands as a stark reminder of what’s at stake in the fight for border security. Her mother’s pursuit of justice, combined with a renewed commitment to protecting American families, ensures that her daughter’s tragic death will help prevent future victims.

“I am always going to try to speak out for her as much as I can and always shed light on the person she was, because she was an incredible person,” Nungaray said, demonstrating the unwavering spirit that helped change the national conversation on border security and justice.

For the Nungaray family, and for Americans across the country who have demanded stronger borders and tougher enforcement, justice is finally within reach. As one chapter closes with the death penalty announcement, another begins with the promise of stronger protections for American families under new leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden’s catch-and-release policies directly led to an innocent American child’s murder.
• Trump’s election victory is already emboldening prosecutors to pursue maximum justice.
• Venezuelan gang members exploited Democrat border policies to enter and commit crimes.
• Strong borders and tough enforcement could have prevented this tragic death.

Sources: Fox News, Houston Landing