Houston’s Democratic District Attorney Kim Ogg lambasts the Harris-Biden administration’s border policies, citing a tragic murder case as evidence of their failure.
At a Glance
- DA Kim Ogg criticizes “catch and release” border policy for increasing violent crime in Houston
- Two Venezuelan nationals charged with capital murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray
- Suspects were previously detained and released with GPS monitors
- 10% of Harris County jail inmates facing violent crime charges are migrants awaiting deportation
- Case sparks bipartisan calls for immigration policy reform
Ogg Breaks Ranks with Democratic Party Over Border Policy
Houston’s Democratic District Attorney Kim Ogg has taken a bold stance against the current border policies implemented by the Harris-Biden administration. Ogg’s criticism comes in the wake of the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, allegedly committed by two Venezuelan nationals who entered the country illegally. The case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and its impact on public safety.
Ogg’s office reports that 10% of Harris County jail inmates facing violent crime charges are migrants awaiting deportation, raising serious questions about the role of border security in maintaining public safety. This statistic has fueled the District Attorney’s outspoken criticism of the current “catch and release” approach to border control.
Democratic Houston DA slams Harris-Biden admin’s ‘absurd’ catch-and-release’ border policy: Houston’s Democratic district attorney slammed the Harris-Biden administration’s disastrous “catch and release” border policy Tuesday, saying it has… https://t.co/aVxh7T7a36 #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/7Pw7WItXLT
— ZBreakingNewz (@ZBreakingNewz) October 29, 2024
The Tragic Case of Jocelyn Nungaray
The murder of Jocelyn Nungaray has become a rallying point for those calling for stricter border policies. The 12-year-old was allegedly lured to a bridge, where she was sexually assaulted and murdered after walking to a convenience store with two men. Her body was found on June 17 in a north Houston creek, bound and partially nude, with strangulation determined as the cause of death.
“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.” – Kim Ogg
The suspects, Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, and Johan Jose Martínez Rangel, 22, were arrested three days after the murder. Both had previously been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol and released with a notice to appear. This fact has become a central point in Ogg’s criticism of current border policies.
Political Fallout and Calls for Reform
The case has sparked intense political debate, with figures across the political spectrum weighing in. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has pushed for enhanced penalties in child murder cases, while Jocelyn’s mother advocates for stricter immigrant detention policies through the proposed “Justice for Jocelyn Act.”
“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.” – Kim Ogg
Ogg’s stance has led her to publicly support Republican Sen. Ted Cruz’s reelection, citing the issue of migrant crime as a key factor. This move underscores the growing bipartisan concern over current immigration policies and their perceived impact on community safety.
A Call for Balanced Approach
While the case has fueled calls for stricter border policies, immigrant advocacy groups caution against using isolated incidents for broad political purposes. Research indicates that immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. However, Crime Stoppers Houston emphasizes the right of victims’ families to seek answers and express their views on these complex issues.
As the debate continues, the case of Jocelyn Nungaray serves as a tragic reminder of the real-world consequences of immigration policies. With a $10 million bond set for suspect Franklin Peña, and a ruling on the capital murder case set for September 11, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Houston as it grapples with these challenging issues at the intersection of immigration, crime, and public safety.
Sources:
- Democratic Houston DA slams Harris-Biden admin’s ‘absurd catch-and-release’ border policy
- As the capital murder case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray goes to court, here’s what to know
- New details: Men accused of killing 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray were looking for money to leave Houston after murder
