The Myth of Migrant Crime
New York TimesJul 25
Texas Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty in Child Murder Case
Above: Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel is led from the courtroom by deputies on June 25, 2024, in Houston. Image copyright: Brett Coomer/Contributor/Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images
The Facts
Harris County District Attorney (DA) Kim Ogg announced Friday plans to seek the death penalty against two Venezuelan nationals, Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Martinez-Rangel, 22, for the June murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray.
The suspects allegedly kidnapped Nungaray from a convenience store on June 16, after which prosecutors say they sexually assaulted her, strangled her, and left her body in a shallow creek under a bridge in Houston.
The Spin
Left narrative
Immigrants, whether authorized or unauthorized, don't commit more crimes. Studies consistently show lower incarceration and felony arrest rates among immigrants compared to native-born Americans. Crime rates also often decrease where immigrant populations grow due to both a desire for better opportunities and fear of deportation. This anti-immigrant narrative is not only wrong but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Right narrative
Illegal immigrants do engage in higher rates of crime, and Pres. Biden's lax border policies are to blame. Cases like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray's murders highlight the consequences of not tracking or deporting these migrants, who often have criminal histories and gang ties. There must be a concerted effort to address this influx of delinquency and violent crime nationwide.
Metaculus Prediction
The Controversies
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