In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the tragic loss of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking a wave of grief, anger, and calls for justice. On February 23, a vigil was held at McCullough Park in east Tulsa to honor her memory and address the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her death. A medical examiner in Dallas County, Texas, confirmed that Carranza had died by suicide just days prior. Her family and classmates revealed that the young girl had been subjected to relentless bullying at her school in Gainesville, Texas. Her peers reportedly tormented her with threats that immigration authorities would soon deport her family, leaving her abandoned. These devastating taunts, compounded by the fear and uncertainty they instilled, ultimately led Carranza to take her own life. The vigil became a space not only for mourning but also for demanding action against the cruel forces that pushed her to such despair. Co-organizer Linda Allegro spoke passionately to the crowd, emphasizing that the normalization of a child’s suicide due to fear and terror must not be tolerated. “We cannot allow the normalization of a suicide of an 11-year-old child due to fear, due to terror by ICE,” she declared, urging the community to stand against such injustices.
The vigil also highlighted the broader implications of Carranza’s death, as it brought attention to the toxic environment faced by many immigrant families and their children. Organizer Steven Arellano echoed Allegro’s sentiments, stressing that children should not be burdened by fears of deportation or abandonment. “That’s the last thing our kids need to be focused on,” he said. “They need to be focused on their futures, focused on being OK.” The gathering was a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of immigrant families and the need for advocates to protect and support them. Attendees sang along to mariachi tributes in Carranza’s memory, blending cultural expressions of grief with a collective cry for change. The event also inspired smaller popup gatherings in Oklahoma City and north Texas, demonstrating how Carranza’s story resonated across communities of diverse backgrounds.
One attendee, M.J. Anderson, brought his daughters to the vigil, reflecting the importance of involving the next generation in the fight for justice. Anderson, a parent and community member, expressed his belief that Carranza’s story should compel everyone to take a stand against injustice. “If this story doesn’t bring you out, I don’t know what will,” he told reporters. His words underscored the urgent need for collective action to prevent further tragedies. Arellano and Allegro also emphasized the critical role of advocacy in protecting children like Carranza, urging the community to become vocal supporters of immigrant families and their rights.
The organizers and attendees at the vigil made it clear that Carranza’s death was not just a personal tragedy but a symptom of a larger systemic issue. The fear of deportation and the harassment faced by immigrant children in schools are issues that demand immediate attention and action. Arellano and Allegro called on parents, educators, and community members to engage in open and honest conversations with children about their struggles. “The most important thing right now is to talk to your young ones,” Arellano urged. “They are hurting right now the same way we are.” He emphasized that regardless of age, children need to feel supported and heard, especially when they are grappling with the weight of bullying, fear, and despair. Allegro added that no child should ever feel compelled to give up hope, and it is the responsibility of adults to create a safer, more compassionate environment for all.
In addition to thevigil, organizers announced plans for a larger demonstration against anti-immigrant sentiment and the practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Scheduled for March 4, the event will take place outside the Oklahoma State Capitol and Tulsa City Hall, calling attention to the broader systemic issues that contributed to Carranza’s death. The demonstration aims to amplify the voices of immigrant families and advocate for policies that ensure their safety and dignity. By bringing together diverse communities, the organizers hope to create a united front against hate, fear, and injustice.
Carranza’s story has left an indelible mark on Tulsa and beyond, serving as a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of unchecked bullying and the toxic climate of fear generated by anti-immigrant rhetoric. Her death has galvanized a movement, inspiring people from all walks of life to demand change and fight for a world where no child ever feels so alone and afraid that they lose hope. As the community continues to mourn, it also seeks to honor Carranza’s memory by creating a more just and compassionate society—one where every child can feel safe, valued, and protected.
