DeKalb GA News

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid at Abby’s Bakery in South Texas, leading to the arrest of eight individuals identified as illegal aliens. The bakery owners, Leonardo Baez and Nora Alicia Avila-Guel, face charges for harboring and aiding these individuals.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) stated that the charges against Baez and Avila-Guel include bringing in and harboring aliens, as well as aiding and abetting such activities. These actions violate federal laws and are subject to significant penalties.

Despite being aware of their employees' unauthorized status, the owners did not report them or adhere to federal employment regulations. Instead, they provided shelter on their property.

The operation was part of a coordinated effort by ICE and HSI in Los Fresnos, Texas. It resulted from a tip received in December, according to Special Agent Dillon Duke with HSI. Duke testified that agents apprehended eight immigrant workers during a "worksite enforcement action" on February 12.

Six of the detained immigrants were on temporary visas that did not allow employment in the United States. Immigration officials have since returned them to Mexico.

A tipster alleged that the business employed immigrants without pay; however, an employee reported earning $8 per hour when questioned by agents.

In addition to raiding Abby’s Bakery—which includes Dulce’s Cafe—agents searched an adjacent apartment where some employees lived. The living conditions were described as sparse with minimal facilities.

During questioning, Baez and Avila-Guel allegedly admitted awareness of their employees' unauthorized work status. However, their attorneys argued in court that providing shelter did not equate to concealing them from authorities. The judge set bonds at $100,000 each with a $15,000 cash deposit required for release.