11-Year-Old Takes Her Life After Being Bullied with ICE Threats
A devastating tragedy unfolded in Texas when 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza took her own life on February 8, leaving her family heartbroken. According to her mother, Marbella Carranza, Jocelynn had endured relentless bullying from classmates, who mocked her and threatened to have her family deported by ICE. Now, her tragic death is under investigation, shedding light on the harsh treatment she faced at school. Marbella hopes her daughter’s story will raise awareness about the lasting effects of bullying and the urgent need for change.
Bullied Over Immigration Status
The family of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza has been shaken by an unimaginable tragedy. According to her grieving mother, Marbella Carranza, Jocelynn was taunted by her classmates at Gainesville Intermediate School, with cruel comments about her family’s immigration status. These insults escalated with threats of calling ICE to have her parents deported, leaving Jocelynn feeling isolated and hopeless.
Marbella described how Jocelynn’s classmates repeatedly mocked her family’s situation and even told her they would report her parents to immigration authorities. “They said they were going to call immigration to take her parents away, leaving her all alone,” Marbella told CNN affiliate KUVN. Although Marbella chose not to address her family’s immigration status, the bullying was clearly severe.
It’s reported that Jocelynn was going to counseling once or twice a week at school to report the bullying, but her mother claims she was never informed of what was happening. “It seems the school was aware, but they never told me what was going on with my daughter,” Marbella said. “She was seeking help, but nothing was done.”
The Gainesville Independent School District responded by stating that they take bullying reports seriously and act quickly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. However, they did not directly comment on whether they were aware of Jocelynn’s specific situation. The district also emphasized that while they couldn’t disclose information about individual students or incidents, they have policies in place to address bullying.
Marbella expressed her anger over the lack of communication from the school: “I want justice because it’s not fair—the school was negligent for not keeping me informed about what was going on with my daughter.”
Remembering Jocelynn’s Bright Spirit
Jocelynn was found unresponsive at the family’s Gainesville home on February 3. Despite attempts to save her, she passed away five days later. Her funeral service was held on Wednesday, as loved ones mourned the loss of a young life taken too soon. The sound of grief filled the church, as a mariachi band played a sorrowful tune. Her casket, draped in a white cloth with a crucifix resting on top, lay in the same church where she had been baptized just 11 years earlier.
“She didn’t understand why bad things happen in the world,” said Gelasio Garcia, a deacon at the church, during the service. Jocelynn’s obituary painted a picture of a loving daughter, sister, niece, and a beloved friend to everyone who knew her. She had a passion for dancing and swinging, and she loved spending time with her family, whether it was getting her nails done with her grandma or enjoying “movie night Fridays” together.
The Boys & Girls Club of Cooke County also expressed their sorrow over Jocelynn’s death, describing her as “deeply saddened” by her passing. They shared a poignant reminder, saying, “Her story is a reminder to always be kind because you never know what someone is going through.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
