The U.S. Department of the Interior has officially renamed the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, following an executive order from President Donald J. Trump.
The decision, formalized by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on March 10, 2025, pays tribute to 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, a Houston girl whose tragic murder in June 2024 has become a rallying cry for the administration’s push for tougher border security and immigration enforcement.
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Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered in North Houston by two Venezuelan nationals who illegally entered the United States and are allegedly linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang.
The suspects were arrested and charged in connection with her death, sparking national outrage and amplifying calls for stricter immigration policies. President Trump highlighted her case during his address to a joint session of Congress, describing her murder as “a devastating consequence of weak border policies that must end.”
The newly renamed Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge spans 39,000 acres along the Texas Gulf Coast, serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within the National Wildlife Refuge System, it supports coastal conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Now, it will also stand as a memorial to Jocelyn and a symbol of the Trump administration’s commitment to safeguarding American communities.
“Jocelyn Nungaray’s story has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Americans,” Secretary Burgum said in a statement. “Her life was taken far too soon by illegal immigrants who should have never been in our country. President Trump’s dedication ensures her name will always be remembered. This refuge, where life flourishes, will stand as a lasting tribute to her memory, a place of reflection, and a call to action to protect our children and uphold justice.”
The renaming aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to address illegal immigration, a cornerstone of Trump’s 2024 campaign and early presidency. The move has been met with both praise and criticism, with supporters viewing it as a fitting honor and detractors questioning the politicization of a wildlife refuge.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will begin updating signage, maps, and educational materials to reflect the new name over the coming months. For now, the refuge remains open to the public, offering a space for reflection amid its natural beauty—and a poignant reminder of the young life it now commemorates.
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