Texas girl, 11, dies by suicide after relentless bullying over family’s immigration status

An 11-year-old girl from Texas, Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, took her own life after enduring relentless bullying at school, her mother says. Classmates allegedly mocked her and threatened her family with deportation, leaving her feeling isolated and hopeless. Now, her grieving family is demanding justice, hoping her tragic death sparks change.

The heartbreaking loss of Jocelynn Rojo Carranza has devastated her family and community. Her mother, Marbella Carranza, shared that her daughter was tormented at Gainesville Intermediate School, where classmates allegedly mocked her family’s immigration status and even threatened to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“They said they were going to call immigration to take her parents away, leaving her all alone,” Carranza told CNN affiliate KUVN.

Carranza said she was unaware of the extent of the bullying until it was too late. She believes the school failed to inform her about the severity of the situation, despite Jocelynn reportedly seeking counseling multiple times.

“It appears the school was aware of it all, but they never told me what was happening with my daughter,” she said.

School district responds

The Gainesville Independent School District has not confirmed whether they knew about Jocelynn’s bullying but released a statement emphasizing their anti-bullying policies.

“Whenever we receive a report of bullying, we respond swiftly to ensure all students are safe physically and emotionally,” the district said.

They added that they have several policies in place to address bullying and resolve conflicts but did not provide specific details about Jocelynn’s case.

Jocelynn’s mother, however, believes the school was negligent. “I want justice because it’s not fair—the school was negligent for not keeping me informed of what was going on with my daughter,” she said.

Remembering Jocelynn

Jocelynn was found unresponsive at her home on February 3 and passed away five days later. On February 14, her loved ones gathered to say their final goodbyes.

At her funeral, a mariachi band played from the church balcony as mourners grieved the young girl who had brought so much joy to those around her. Her casket, draped in white, lay in the same church where she was baptized 11 years ago.

“She didn’t know how to understand the things that happen in the world,” deacon Gelasio Garcia said during the service.

Jocelynn’s obituary described her as a loving daughter, sister, niece, and friend. She had a passion for dancing and swinging and cherished time with her family, whether it was getting her nails done with her grandmother or enjoying “movie night Fridays” at home.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cooke County, where Jocelynn was a member, expressed their sorrow over her passing. “Her story is a reminder to always be kind because you never know what someone is going through,” they said in a heartfelt statement.

A call to end bullying

Jocelynn’s tragic story has sparked conversations about the devastating impact of bullying, particularly when tied to immigration status. Her mother hopes that by sharing her daughter’s experience, other children suffering in silence will receive the help they need.

“No child should feel so hopeless because of bullying,” she said. “Something has to change.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.