Dallas, Texas, USA: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday issued a sharp warning after the shocking slaying of an Indian-origin man, Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, in Dallas, Texas. The department stressed the dangers posed by violent undocumented immigrants and cautioned that individuals entering the US unlawfully may be deported to third nations such as Eswatini, Uganda, and South Sudan.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), DHS described the incident as “horrific” and “entirely avoidable.” The suspect, a 37-year-old Cuban national, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, should never have been released into the US under the Biden administration after Cuba declined to repatriate him, the agency said.
“This brutal criminal carried out a barbaric act in front of the victim’s wife and child, then desecrated the body,” DHS wrote. “Such a savage assault was preventable had this dangerous illegal entrant not been allowed into our country when Cuba refused him.”
The department added that under President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, undocumented immigrants are now being expelled to third countries instead of remaining indefinitely in the US. “If you enter America illegally, you risk being sent to Eswatini, Uganda, South Sudan, or CECOT,” the post warned.
What happened in Dallas?
The gruesome assault took place last week at the Downtown Suites Motel in Dallas, where 50-year-old motel manager Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah was attacked by his colleague, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez.
Security footage and eyewitness accounts revealed that Cobos-Martinez chased the victim across the motel property, wielding a machete, as Nagamallaiah’s wife and young son looked on in horror.
The confrontation reportedly began with an argument over a malfunctioning washing machine. Despite attempts by Nagamallaiah’s family to stop the violence, the suspect continued his rampage. Police confirmed that Cobos-Martinez seized the victim’s phone and key card during the attack, ultimately taking his life in a shocking manner before disposing of evidence in a dumpster.
Emergency responders from Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived moments later as Cobos-Martinez walked away holding the blood-stained machete. He was immediately arrested by police and later confessed to the crime during questioning.
Trump’s response
Reacting to the assault, Donald Trump condemned the act as “horrific” and accused the Biden administration of being too lenient toward criminal undocumented immigrants.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Cobos-Martinez “was released into our homeland under Joe Biden’s failed policies because Cuba refused to take him back.” Trump noted that the suspect already had a criminal history, including charges of child exploitation, grand theft auto, and unlawful imprisonment.
Trump vowed that under his leadership, tolerance for “illegal immigrant criminals” is over, promising Cobos-Martinez would face full prosecution, including first-degree charges.
He also praised DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other senior officials for working to “make America safe again.”
Immigration debate reignited
The Dallas incident has sparked outrage across the United States, renewing heated debates over immigration and deportation policies. The case has highlighted long-standing concerns about what happens when nations refuse to accept deported offenders.
Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) labeled the assault “unimaginable,” calling for stricter safeguards to prevent such individuals from remaining in the country.
