Texas Officials and Advocates Call for Tougher Bail Law After Jocelyn Nungaray Murder

The two illegal immigrants charged with the murder of a 12-year-old Houston girl are being held on $10 million bond, prompting outrage and calls for stricter bail laws.

In the wake of the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, Texas officials and crime victims advocates are calling for tougher bail laws to ensure that dangerous individuals are not released back into the community.

The two illegal immigrants charged with Nungaray's murder – 21-year-old Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and 26-year-old Franklin Jose Peña Ramos – were being held on $10 million bond. However, the attorney for Peña filed a protective order to prevent negative media attention from influencing the defendant's right to a fair trial.

Texas Officials and Advocates Call for Tougher Bail Law After Jocelyn Nungaray Murder

The protective order filing argues that the media attention surrounding the case could create undue prejudice during Peña's trial. It cites statements made by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, who described the crime as "horrific" and the immigration system as "broken."

Despite the protective order filing, Nungaray's family and crime victims advocates are demanding stricter bail laws. Alexis Nungaray, the victim's mother, believes that the suspects should have been detained after their initial arrest, as they had prior criminal records.

Texas Officials and Advocates Call for Tougher Bail Law After Jocelyn Nungaray Murder

Nungaray's murder has ignited a debate about the need for stricter border enforcement and accountability. Former President Donald Trump visited the southern border in August and met with Alexis Nungaray, expressing his condolences and support for her call for justice.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also weighed in on the issue, tweeting: "These violent criminals should never have been released. We must take action to secure our borders and ensure dangerous individuals are not released into our communities."

Texas Officials and Advocates Call for Tougher Bail Law After Jocelyn Nungaray Murder

The Harris County Republican Party has joined the chorus of voices calling for tougher bail laws. Chairman Jonathan Saenz called for a special legislative session to address the issue.

"It is clear that our current bail laws are not working," said Saenz. "We need to reform them to ensure that dangerous criminals are not released back into our communities to commit more crimes."

Texas Officials and Advocates Call for Tougher Bail Law After Jocelyn Nungaray Murder

Crime Victims Advocates of Texas, a non-profit organization that provides support to victims of violent crime, also expressed concern about the current bail laws.

"Bail is supposed to ensure that defendants return to court for trial," said the organization's president, Leslie Ann Miller. "However, in this case, it appears that the suspects were released despite their criminal histories. This is a clear failure of the system."

Texas Officials and Advocates Call for Tougher Bail Law After Jocelyn Nungaray Murder

The debate over bail reform is expected to continue in the wake of Nungaray's murder. Texas lawmakers are under pressure to address the issue and ensure that dangerous individuals are not released back into the community to commit more crimes.