Apple Maps updates name of wildlife refuge honoring Jocelyn Nungaray

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an order titled “Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray,” which declared that the refuge along the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed in her honor. The order stated that the change was fitting given Nungaray’s love for animals and her passion for ensuring they had homes. It also declared that the new name “will forever honor and preserve the memory of a beautiful American, Jocelyn Nungaray.”

The directive instructed the Secretary of the Interior to update procedures and ensure all federal references—including maps, contracts, and other documents—reflect the renaming. Last week, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretary’s Order finalizing the renaming.

“Jocelyn Nungaray’s story has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Americans,” said Secretary Burgum in a statement. “Her life was taken far too soon by illegal immigrants who should have never been in our country. President Trump’s dedication ensures her name will always be remembered. This refuge, where life flourishes, will stand as a lasting tribute to her memory, a place of reflection, and a call to action to protect our children and uphold justice.”

The 39,000-acre refuge, located along the Texas Gulf Coast, serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, it is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a key role in coastal conservation, public recreation, and environmental education, according to the Department of the Interior.

Nungaray’s death gained national attention during the election. The 12-year-old was raped and murdered by two illegal immigrants from Venezuela, with her body discovered under a bridge in Texas. President Trump frequently highlighted the case during his campaign and honored Nungaray’s mother during his recent joint address to Congress.