ANAHUAC, Texas — In a poignant ceremony held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Gulf Coast was officially renamed the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. The renaming honors the memory of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, a Houston girl whose life was tragically cut short in June 2024. The event, attended by Jocelyn’s family, state and federal officials, and community members, unveiled new signage bearing the words “Her Life Mattered,” a powerful testament to the young girl’s enduring legacy.
A Life Remembered
Jocelyn Nungaray was a vibrant 12-year-old known for her love of animals and nature. Her life was brutally ended last year, allegedly by two Venezuelan illegal immigrants affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, according to prosecutors. The horrific crime sent shockwaves through Houston and beyond, sparking national conversations about immigration, public safety, and the value of every life. Jocelyn’s story resonated deeply, prompting calls for justice and meaningful tributes to her memory.
During a joint address to Congress in March 2025, President Donald Trump announced the renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s honor. Displaying his signature on an executive order, Trump described the gesture as a way to commemorate a girl who “loved animals so much.” The announcement was a surprise to Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, who told FOX 26, “I had no idea that was going to happen. It was a really big shock and surprise.”
The 39,000-acre sanctuary, located across Galveston Bay from Jocelyn’s hometown of Houston, is a haven for migratory birds, alligators, and other wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge’s serene landscapes now carry Jocelyn’s name, ensuring her spirit endures in a place that reflects her passions.
The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge became the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday to honor the life of the 12-year-old girl who was brutally murdered last year by two alleged Venezuelan illegal immigrants.
The Renaming Ceremony
Thursday’s ceremony was a solemn yet uplifting occasion, marked by heartfelt speeches and moments of reflection. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who presided over the event, spoke of Jocelyn’s love for animals and the refuge’s role as a fitting tribute. “Let this land speak her name. Let its quiet strength echo her spirit. And let it stand as a testament that her life mattered,” Burgum said, his words resonating with the gathered crowd.
Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn’s mother, attended the ceremony but did not speak, visibly moved by the outpouring of support. Burgum offered his condolences, noting, “May Jocelyn’s family find peace in the tranquility of the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a lasting tribute to a beautiful young soul taken from us too soon.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued a statement, echoing the sentiment that the refuge would serve as a permanent reminder of Jocelyn’s life and legacy.
The unveiling of the new signage, which prominently features the phrase “Her Life Mattered,” was a focal point of the ceremony. The words, simple yet profound, encapsulate the community’s commitment to honoring Jocelyn and advocating for justice in her name. Social media posts on X captured the emotional weight of the moment, with users sharing images of the signage and expressing admiration for the tribute. One post by @SecretaryBurgum read, “Honored to join the Nungaray family at the Jocelyn Nungaray Wildlife Refuge in Texas, renamed by @POTUS, to commemorate Jocelyn’s life that was taken far too soon.”
A Community in Mourning and Action
Jocelyn’s murder has had a profound impact on Houston and the nation. The case, which involves two suspects charged with capital murder, has fueled debates over immigration policies and border security. During a congressional hearing on open-border crime, Alexis Nungaray shared the horrific timeline of her daughter’s death, urging lawmakers to address the circumstances that allowed such a tragedy to occur. Her advocacy has galvanized support, with many calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents.
The renaming of the wildlife refuge has been met with widespread approval, though it has not been without controversy. Posts on X from March 2025 highlighted political divisions, with some noting that certain Democrats in Congress did not stand during the announcement of the refuge’s renaming, interpreting it as a lack of support for Jocelyn’s memory. However, the focus of Thursday’s ceremony remained on unity and remembrance, transcending political divides.
The refuge’s renaming has also prompted practical updates. Apple Maps officially recognized the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge in mid-March, a move celebrated by community members and advocates. One X post by @EricLDaugh announced, “Following President Trump’s order, Apple Maps officially recognizes the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge… It’s located in her hometown-area.” This digital acknowledgment ensures that Jocelyn’s name will reach a global audience, further cementing her legacy.
The Refuge: A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Memory
The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge spans 39,000 acres of wetlands, marshes, and prairies along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is a critical habitat for migratory birds, including snow geese, pintails, and teal, as well as resident species like alligators and bobcats. The refuge’s trails, observation platforms, and educational programs attract thousands of visitors annually, offering opportunities to connect with nature.
For Jocelyn, who loved animals, the refuge is a fitting tribute. During the ceremony, Burgum highlighted her passion for wildlife, suggesting that the sanctuary’s beauty and tranquility would reflect her spirit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has pledged to incorporate Jocelyn’s story into the refuge’s educational materials, ensuring that visitors learn about her life and the circumstances that led to the renaming.
The refuge’s new signage, featuring “Her Life Mattered,” has sparked discussions about the broader implications of such tributes. For many, it represents a call to action—a reminder to value every life and work toward a safer, more just society. The phrase has resonated on social media, with X users sharing it alongside messages of support for the Nungaray family.
A Mother’s Grief and Resilience
Alexis Nungaray’s presence at the ceremony underscored the personal toll of Jocelyn’s loss. Her decision not to speak allowed the focus to remain on her daughter’s memory, but her advocacy in the months since the tragedy has been unwavering. In interviews and public appearances, Alexis has shared her daughter’s story, emphasizing her kindness, curiosity, and love for animals. She has also called for accountability, urging officials to address the systemic issues that contributed to Jocelyn’s death.
The renaming of the refuge has provided a measure of solace for Alexis and her family. In a statement to FOX 26, she expressed gratitude for the tribute, noting that it would keep Jocelyn’s memory alive in a place she would have loved. The community’s support, evident in the turnout at the ceremony and the outpouring of messages on X, has been a source of strength.
Jocelyn Nungaray, 12, was found strangled to death in a Houston creek in June 2024.
Nungaray’s death drew national attention amid criticism of the Biden administration over millions of illegal immigrants, some with violent criminal records and street gang ties, who entered the United States during his presidency.
In December, prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty for her accused killers, 22-year-old Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and 26-year-old Franklin Jose Peña Ramos.
Conclusion
The renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is more than a change of name—it is a commitment to remembering a young girl whose life touched many. The ceremony on April 24, 2025, marked a moment of closure and renewal, offering Jocelyn’s family and community a space to grieve and celebrate her memory. With its new signage proclaiming “Her Life Mattered,” the refuge stands as a beacon of hope, reminding all who visit that every life has value.
As the sun set over the marshes of the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, the gathered crowd lingered, their thoughts with a girl who loved animals and whose name will now echo through the ages. In this sacred space, Jocelyn’s spirit lives on, a quiet strength amidst the calls of migratory birds and the rustle of the Texas wind.
