On Monday, former President Donald Trump called for stricter measures to combat illegal immigration following the horrific murder of a motel manager in Dallas, Texas, committed by an undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal record. Through his platform, Truth Social, Trump stated: “I am aware of the appalling reports surrounding the murder of Chandra Nagamallaiah, a highly respected individual in Dallas, Texas, who was brutally beheaded in front of his wife and child by an illegal alien from Cuba who never should have been in our country.”
The former president highlighted the suspect's previous encounters with the law. “This individual had been previously arrested for heinous crimes such as child sexual abuse, car theft, and unlawful detention, but was released back into our nation under the incompetent Joe Biden because Cuba refused to take such a vile person back,” Trump declared.
Trump's Stance on Immigrant Crime
Trump emphasized that under his leadership, there would be no leniency for immigrants with criminal backgrounds. “Rest assured, the era of indulgence with these illegal immigrant criminals is over under my watch,” he warned. He promised that the accused would face the full force of the law: “This criminal, who we have in custody, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He will be charged with first-degree murder!”
The incident occurred last Wednesday at the Downtown Suites Motel in the Old East Dallas neighborhood, where the victim worked alongside the suspect. Court documents and reports from CBS News indicate that the violent attack began after a work-related argument. The suspect, known as Cobos, retrieved a machete from a room and launched a vicious assault on the manager, who attempted to flee to the office where his wife and son were present.
Details of the Horrific Crime
The attack ended with the beheading of the victim, whose body was left on the sidewalk. Surveillance footage captured the attacker kicking and throwing the head into a trash container. Local media have described the brutality of the crime as one of the most shocking incidents seen in the city in recent years.
Cobos was arrested shortly after the crime while walking bloodied near a store. Although he was still armed with the machete, police managed to apprehend him without lethal force. According to police statements, the accused confessed to the crime during interrogation and is currently held without bail in Dallas County Jail.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled the murder as entirely preventable, directly blaming the Biden administration for Cobos' release in January 2025. At that time, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had released him after concluding there was no significant likelihood of immediate deportation, due to the Cuban regime's refusal to take him back.
Background of the Suspect
ICE described Cobos as a “depraved criminal” and confirmed he had an active immigration detainer at the time of the crime. His criminal record includes child sexual abuse, theft, vehicle robbery, and parole violations. Beyond his offenses in the United States, reports from Cuban-American journalists suggest Cobos may have committed at least two murders in Cuba. Family testimonies and anonymous sources claim he attacked a man with a machete over an animal dispute and mutilated another victim after a party. His uncle, a former convict, reportedly took the blame for one of the murders to prevent his incarceration.
Cobos had also been imprisoned in Cuba for theft before emigrating to the United States. His criminal history in the U.S. spans charges in California, Texas, and Florida, some of which were dismissed, but show a pattern of violent behavior.
The victim, originally from India, was a well-respected entrepreneur in Dallas. He had planned to travel to his native Andhra Pradesh in October to visit his parents. His wife, Nisha, and 18-year-old son, Gaurav, witnessed the crime.
The Indo-American community in Texas has expressed its shock over the murder. A fundraising campaign has surpassed $200,000 to cover funeral expenses and support the education of the deceased's son. Nagamallaiah's funeral is being held this Saturday at Flower Mound Family Funeral Home, with significant attendance from the Indian diaspora.
The savagery of the attack and the failures in the immigration system have made this case a turning point for deportation policies and public safety in the United States.
Key Questions on Immigration and Crime in the U.S.
What actions is Trump proposing against illegal immigrants with criminal records?
Trump has called for an end to leniency towards illegal immigrants with criminal records, promising rigorous enforcement of the law and ensuring such individuals face harsh legal consequences.
How has the Cuban government responded to deportations?
The Cuban government has often refused to accept deportees, particularly those with criminal records, complicating the deportation process from the United States.
What has been the impact of this crime on U.S. immigration policy?
The brutal crime has intensified the debate over U.S. immigration policy, highlighting flaws in the system and prompting discussions on stricter deportation and public safety measures.