Biden’s expansion of tracking program used by Nungaray murder suspects.
Both suspects in the tragic murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Texas were part of a program that has seen increased use under President Biden’s administration.
Venezuelan migrants Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, 26, were participants in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency’s (ICE) Alternatives to Detention program. This program involves outfitting migrants with ankle bracelets that monitor their movements before releasing them into the public.
The main goal of the program is to expedite the processing of migrants seeking asylum without overcrowding detention facilities. Participants are required to adhere to strict rules such as curfews and check-ins while being monitored with tracking devices.
According to the most recent data from Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, ICE’s use of GPS watches and ankle monitors as alternatives to detention has been steadily increasing. In April, the number of migrants using GPS watches rose to 572, while the number of migrants wearing GPS ankle bracelets more than tripled from 5,000 in June of the previous year to 18,518 in April.
Both Martinez-Rangel and Ramos had been equipped with GPS ankle monitors after illegally entering the country. Martinez-Rangel was allowed to remove his device after complying with mandatory check-ins for two months. On the other hand, Ramos was still wearing his tracking bracelet when the crime occurred, but he removed it himself a few days after.
The Biden administration introduced a new program last year, the Family Expedited Removal Management program, which expanded the use of GPS tracking devices. Under this program, certain heads of household in migrant families are equipped with GPS tracking devices instead of expanding detention centers. The administration has promoted this program as a faster way to process removals from the country.
Jocelyn Nungaray’s tragic death shook the Houston community. She was found strangled to death in a creek, sparking outrage and sadness among residents.
Both suspects, Martinez-Rangel and Ramos, appeared in court for the first time this week. The judge presiding over the case deemed them to be flight risks and set bail at $10 million for each suspect.
The two suspects are accused of luring Nungaray under a bridge in Houston, where they tied her up and ultimately took her life. Both are facing charges of capital murder in connection with the case.
Overall, the tragic murder of Jocelyn Nungaray has shed light on the complexities and challenges of immigration policies and the utilization of monitoring devices for migrants. It remains a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially vulnerable minors like Jocelyn.
