(Texas Scorecard) – During his first Joint Address to Congress since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas in honor of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was tragically murdered in 2024.
The order, signed Tuesday night during his speech, directs the secretary of the interior to change the name of the refuge in Chambers County near Galveston to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, ensuring her life is permanently commemorated.
The president cited her murder as a tragic consequence of the prior administration’s border policies, blaming lax enforcement for allowing criminal elements to enter the country unchecked.
Nungaray was killed on June 17, 2024, in Houston, Texas. The two suspects charged in her murder were illegal aliens from Venezuela reportedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang who were apprehended at the border and later released into the U.S.
The case sparked national outrage and has become a flashpoint in the debate over border security.
“Jocelyn was a precious 12-year-old girl beloved by her family and friends for her kindness and infectious zeal for life,” Trump’s order states. “It is fitting and in the national interest that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge … will forever honor and preserve the memory of a beautiful American.”
In an emotional moment during his address, President Trump acknowledged the presence of Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, who was invited as a special guest to the event. Recognizing her advocacy for stronger border security following her daughter’s death, Trump honored her resilience and commitment to ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Under the directive, the Department of the Interior has 30 days to update all federal references to reflect the new name.
Another emotional moment during the speech came as 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel from Houston was made an honorary Secret Service agent by Trump.
Daniel, who wants to be a police officer, has been named an honorary member of hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country.