In a shocking turn of events, two Venezuelan illegal immigrants have been charged with the capital murder of a 12-year-old girl in Houston, Texas. Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, 21, and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, 26, allegedly lured Jocelyn Nungaray under a bridge, tied her up, killed her, and disposed of her body in a river. This disturbing incident brings attention to the ongoing immigration challenges posed by the Venezuelan crisis.

Both Martinez and Pena were apprehended by Border Patrol earlier this year and were released on orders of recognizance pending their immigration court hearings. However, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson confirmed that both men are in the country illegally.

The tragic murder comes amidst continued efforts by the socialist Maduro regime to block deportation flights of Venezuelans from the U.S. In January, Venezuela ceased accepting these flights, and in February, the U.S. re-imposed economic sanctions that were previously lifted. As a result, the number of deportation flights decreased significantly.

The Biden administration had expressed its intention to increase the number of flights to Venezuela, considering it a critical component of their overall immigration strategy. However, the U.S. currently faces challenges in returning Venezuelan migrants, as the deportation flights remain on hold.

While the number of Venezuelan encounters at the southern border has decreased since last year, the U.S. continues to grapple with issues related to Venezuelan migrants. Just last week, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant was arraigned on attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting two NYPD officers in Queens. Earlier this year, a Venezuelan migrant was charged with the violent murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley.

Law enforcement officials and lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about the rise of the violent street gang known as Tren de Aragua (TDA), originating from Venezuela. TDA is involved in extortion, kidnapping, murder, and sex trafficking. Federal authorities have warned that the gang aims to establish itself in the U.S., with potential links to organized crime and collaborations with MS-13.

Highlighting these concerns, Border Patrol recently announced the apprehension of ten illegal immigrants with ties to TDA. Chief Jason Owens shared photographs showing tattoos associated with gang members, further emphasizing the growing presence of TDA within the United States.

The horrific murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration from Venezuela. As the U.S. grapples with addressing the challenges posed by the Maduro regime's reluctance to accept deportation flights, it is imperative to find solutions that ensure the safety of both American citizens and those seeking refuge.