'I promised I would deliver justice': Trump’s words to mother of girl killed by illegal immigrant

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS: President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, October 27, invoked the killing of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray during an appearance in Texas , promising that her death would not be forgotten and highlighting his administration’s campaign against the Venezuelan gang whose members were charged in connection with her killing. 

Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, joined him on stage and later urged Americans to vote Republican, linking her family’s tragedy to the national debate over immigration enforcement.

Trump vows justice for Jocelyn

Trump recalled Jocelyn’s killing in Houston in 2024, describing how the child had gone to a convenience store before she was kidnapped, assaulted and killed. 

Two illegal immigrants who were originally from Venezuela were charged in connection with the crime and accused of belonging to Tren de Aragua, a gang that US officials have described as exceptionally violent.

“I promised I would deliver justice for Jocelyn,” Trump said.

The president pointed to his administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, claiming that thousands of Tren de Aragua gang members had been arrested and deported from Texas and other parts of the country since he took office.

He also claimed that his government had destroyed the gang’s hideouts and compounds and deployed military resources to target its leaders.

The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge was established in her honor in March 2025, when the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas was renamed following an executive order by Trump. The decision was intended to honor the 12-year-old, who loved nature and animals.

Trump has repeatedly made immigration enforcement a central part of his political agenda, arguing that tougher action against illegal immigration and criminal gangs is necessary to protect American communities. 

Victim's mother urges Americans to vote red

Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn’s mother, also addressed the audience, thanking Trump for continuing to speak publicly about her daughter and urging voters to take part in the elections.

Alexis said the president had helped ensure that her daughter was remembered as a person rather than reduced to a statistic.

“I'd like to thank President Trump for keeping my daughter Jocelyn Nungaray's name alive, proving her death was not just a number,” she said.

She encouraged those who had not yet voted to go to the polls, saying, “If you haven't voted yet, go out and vote, it really does make a difference.”

Alexis urged Americans to vote Republican, criticizing Democrats over their approach to border security.

She also spoke about the role her Christian faith had played in helping her find the strength to speak publicly about Jocelyn’s death.

“Most importantly, above all, I would like to thank our Lord Almighty Jesus Christ for giving me the strength to stand up here and share her story and share her name,” she said.

Alexis’s message to the nation was clear: remember her daughter’s story, recognize the impact of her loss and make their voices heard by voting.