
Houston’s Democratic District Attorney Kim Ogg blasts the Harris-Biden administration’s border policy, linking it to a surge in violent crime in Harris County.
At a Glance
- Kim Ogg criticizes the “catch and release” border policy, citing increased migrant crime
- The murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray by alleged illegal immigrants sparks debate
- Ogg supports Republican Sen. Ted Cruz’s reelection due to migrant crime concerns
- The case has become a focal point in the immigration debate during an election year
DA Kim Ogg Slams “Catch and Release” Policy
Houston’s Democratic District Attorney Kim Ogg has publicly criticized the Harris-Biden administration’s border policies, particularly the “catch and release” approach. Ogg argues that this policy has led to a significant increase in violent crimes committed by migrants in Harris County. Her concerns stem from a series of high-profile cases involving illegal immigrants, most notably the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.
“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,” Ogg stated, emphasizing the potential consequences of the current border policies. – Source
The Jocelyn Nungaray Case: A Tragic Catalyst
The murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray has become a flashpoint in the ongoing immigration debate. Jocelyn was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered after walking to a convenience store with two men. The suspects, Johan Jose Martinez Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, both Venezuelan nationals, were arrested three days after the murder. Both had previously been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol and released with a notice to appear.
“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,” Ogg remarked, highlighting the case as an example of preventable crime due to current border policies. – Source
Political Ramifications and Policy Debates
The Nungaray case has sparked intense political debate, with figures like Donald Trump and local officials blaming immigration policies for such tragedies. In response to the case, the Justice for Jocelyn Act was introduced to increase immigrant detention and tracking. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has also voiced support for bail reform and enhancing “Lauren’s Law” for harsher penalties in child murder cases.
Ogg’s criticism of the current administration’s policies has led her to take the unusual step of publicly supporting Republican Sen. Ted Cruz’s reelection campaign. This move underscores the growing concern among some Democrats about the impact of current immigration policies on public safety.
Conflicting Perspectives on Immigration and Crime
While Ogg and others point to cases like Jocelyn’s as evidence of a need for stricter border control, immigrant advocacy groups caution against using such tragedies for political purposes. They argue that research indicates immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.
“There’s really no evidence to suggest that with more immigration, there’s going to be more crime,” stated Javier Ramos, presenting a counterpoint to the narrative linking immigration with increased crime rates. – Source
However, Ogg maintains that the current situation in Harris County presents unique challenges. “When it comes to migrant criminals coming here, we’re seeing just in terms of the volume … more violent crimes committed by migrants from places that do not share information with American officials,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for better information sharing and stricter border controls.
As the debate continues, the Nungaray case remains a powerful symbol of the complex interplay between immigration policy, public safety, and political discourse in America’s border states.
Sources:
- 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
- Democratic Houston DA slams Harris-Biden admin’s ‘absurd catch-and-release’ border policy