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Talarico Skips Vote After Venezuelan Murder; Bail Bill Dies

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Talarico missed the Texas vote on a bail-restriction amendment for illegal immigrants, and the measure failed.
The absence came after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was murdered by two Venezuelan nationals released on their own recognizance.
RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft called Talarico’s absence “disgusting” and anti-American.
Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said Talarico is a law-and-order Democrat supporting tougher bail laws and police funding.

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Story summary

James Talarico missed the Texas vote on a bail-restriction amendment for illegal immigrants, and the measure failed.
The absence came after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was murdered by two Venezuelan nationals released on their own recognizance.
RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft called Talarico’s absence “disgusting” and anti-American.
Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said Talarico is a law-and-order Democrat supporting tougher bail laws and police funding.