Franklin Peña, one of the two illegal immigrants accused of the brutal murder of a 12-year-old Texas girl, faces a $10 million bond as he appears in court today for a bond hearing. Charged with capital murder, the 26-year-old, along with his friend Johan Rangel, allegedly strangled the young girl and discarded her body in a Houston bayou.
Peña and Rangel, both from Venezuela, crossed the U.S. border illegally near El Paso earlier this year. After their entry, they were released by the Border Patrol with GPS trackers and a notice to appear in court. The victim, who lived in the same apartment complex as the suspects, was found dead in a creek earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The tragic incident has intensified the ongoing debate about U.S. immigration policies. Congressman Mike McCaul (R-TX) has been vocal about the need to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, arguing that it would prevent situations like this by ensuring asylum-seekers stay in Mexico until their court dates. “This is why we need to force asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico until their immigration court date,” McCaul asserts, suggesting that the policy’s reinstatement could have averted this tragedy.
ICE confirms that both suspects were living in Houston with notices to appear in court. The incident has raised serious concerns about the current handling of asylum-seekers and the effectiveness of GPS tracking for individuals released by the Border Patrol.
As Peña’s bond hearing proceeds, the local community prepares for the funeral of the young victim, scheduled for Thursday. The girl’s death has brought about calls for stricter immigration controls and a reassessment of policies to ensure public safety.
The case highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety. As the legal proceedings continue, the community and the nation grapple with the implications of this heartbreaking event.
