The suspects charged with murder crossed the border illegally this year and were released into the U.S. by border patrol, according to immigration authorities.
Jocelyn Nungaray was discovered Monday in a shallow creek after being strangled to death, according to the Houston Police Department.
A White House spokesperson said “our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Jocelyn Nungaray.”
“We cannot comment on active law enforcement cases,” the spokesperson continued. “But fundamentally, anyone found guilty of this type of heinous and shocking crime should be held accountable, to the fullest extent of the law.”
Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Pena, 26, have been arrested and charged with her murder.
The two men had immigration violation holds from Immigration and Customs Enforcement on their court records. According to an ICE spokesperson, Martinez and Pena both illegally crossed the border and on March 14, Martinez was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas. That same day, he was released on an order or recognizance with a notice to appear. Pena was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on May 28 near El Paso. He was released on an order of recognizance with a notice to appear the same day he was apprehended.