In Los Fresnos, Texas, the close-knit community was shocked when Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested the owners and eight employees of Abby’s Bakery in February. The Mexican couple, Leonardo Baez and Nora Avila-Guel, who are legal U.S. permanent residents, stand accused of concealing and harboring immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally.
The town’s 8,500 residents, which is 90% Latino, showed support for the bakery owners, expressing disbelief at the charges. The bakery was a daily stop for many locals, offering a place to share gossip over coffee and pick up cakes and pastries.
While overwhelming bipartisan support exists for deporting people in the U.S. illegally who have committed violent crimes, there is less support for deporting all undocumented individuals. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has generated mixed reactions in the region, which leans Republican but has a majority Hispanic population.
Despite the controversy, Abby’s Bakery remains a staple in Los Fresnos, with loyal customers continuing to support the business. The owners, who have pleaded not guilty, face the possibility of deportation, which could greatly impact their family, including their five U.S. citizen children.
As the legal proceedings continue, the town remains divided over the situation, with some viewing the case as unjust and others supporting law enforcement actions. In the meantime, the bakery continues to serve its customers, who value the quality of its products and the sense of community it fosters.
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