Police ICE
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Leonardo Baez and Nora Alicia Avila-Guel, owners of Abby's Bakery and Dulce's Cafe in Los Fresnos, Texas, were arrested Wednesday and charged with harbouring undocumented immigrants.
The arrests follow an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid conducted on February 12 at their establishment, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts against employers of undocumented workers. The ICE operation was triggered by an anonymous tip received in December, alleging exploitation of workers. During the raid, agents discovered eight individuals lacking proper legal authorization to work in the United States.
Six of these workers possessed temporary visas that did not permit US employment. Contrary to the initial exploitation claim, one employee reported earning $8 per hour. Further investigation reveals that the workers lived in an apartment connected to the bakery. Homeland Security Investigations agents describe the living space as containing six beds, two bathrooms, no kitchen, and windows covered with cardboard, illustrating the austere conditions endured by the employees.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Baez and Avila-Guel were aware of the potential legal ramifications of their employment practices, reportedly stating they "knew this would happen one day." Their attorney, Sergio Villarreal, characterized the raid as politically motivated, asserting his clients' apprehension and desire to resume their business operations. He also emphasized the potential precedent this case could establish for businesses throughout the region.
A judge set bail for each defendant at $100,000, requiring a $15,000 cash deposit. The case's outcome is expected to have significant consequences for other employers in similar circumstances, highlighting the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and the rights of both workers and employers.