Donald Trump Condemns Murder of Indian-Origin Hotel Manager in Dallas
Trump Vows Tougher Action on Illegal Immigration
US President Donald Trump has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah, a 50-year-old Indian-origin hotel manager who was allegedly murdered by a Cuban undocumented immigrant in Dallas last week.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared:
“The time for being soft on these illegal immigrant criminals is OVER under my watch.”
He also vowed that the suspect would be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law” and face first-degree murder charges.
The Attack and Arrest
Nagamallaiah was attacked with a machete by his co-worker, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, following an argument over a broken washing machine at the Downtown Suites Motel where they both worked.
The horrifying incident took place in front of Nagamallaiah’s wife and child on 10 September. Police described the assault as a stabbing with an edged weapon.
Cobos-Martinez, who is now in custody, has been charged with murder and is being held at the Dallas County Jail after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged him there.
Immigration and Legal Background of the Accused
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Cobos-Martinez is an undocumented immigrant with a final order of removal from the US.
He had previously been arrested on several charges, including alleged child abuse, but was released because Cuba refused to accept his deportation due to his criminal history.
In January, he was released under supervision orders after being held at a Dallas detention center.
Trump sharply criticized the Biden administration for allowing him back into society despite his record, arguing that this tragic case highlights the dangers of weak immigration enforcement.
Victim’s Background and Community Grief
Nagamallaiah, originally from the southern Indian state of Karnataka, had studied in Bengaluru before moving to the United States in 2018.
He managed the Downtown Suites Motel in Dallas, where he lived with his family. His son, who recently graduated high school, is preparing to start college soon, according to Indian media reports.
His funeral took place on 13 September in Flower Mound, Texas, attended by grieving family members and friends.
Fundraiser for the Family
The Indian-American community and supporters have rallied around Nagamallaiah’s family. A fundraiser campaign launched to provide financial support has already raised over $321,000 (₹2.36 crore), according to news agency PTI.
Wider Implications
The case has reignited debate on illegal immigration, deportation policies, and public safety in the United States.
For Trump, the tragedy underscores his push for stricter immigration enforcement — a central theme of his presidency — while for the Indian-American community, it marks a moment of profound loss and solidarity.