Leonardo Baez and Nora Avila-Guel’s bakery in Los Fresnos, Texas, is a beloved community spot where residents gather for coffee and pastries. When Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested the owners and eight employees, shock spread through the small town.
Residents were surprised by the arrests, as the couple are legal permanent residents who have been accused of harboring immigrants in the U.S. illegally. The bakery is a staple in town, attracting hundreds of customers daily.
The case highlights the limits of support for President Trump’s immigration crackdown in a majority Hispanic region where Republicans have made recent gains. The couple faces the possibility of deportation and losing everything they have built.
Despite bipartisan support for deporting people with criminal convictions, sympathy is often expressed for those with strong ties to their communities and no criminal records. In this case, the community has rallied around the bakery owners, showing up in protests and continuing to support their business.
Abby’s Bakery has since reopened, with loyal customers returning to purchase their favorite treats. The bakery plays a significant role in the local economy, contributing to the town’s tax revenue.
As the legal process plays out, residents of Los Fresnos are left to grapple with the complexities of immigration enforcement and the impact on their community. The case of Abby’s Bakery serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by immigrant business owners in today’s political climate.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
