The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has condemned the killing of Indian national Chandra Nagamalliah in Texas, calling the incident a &ldquo;preventable tragedy.&rdquo; Authorities allege Cuban national Yordanis Cobos-Martinez carried out the brutal attack at a motel, murdering Nagamalliah in front of his wife and child.
DHS stated the case highlighted failures in immigration enforcement, as Cobos-Martinez had previously been released into the country despite a criminal record. Officials stressed that such cases reinforce the need for tougher deportation measures, including the practice of removing undocumented immigrants with criminal histories to third countries when deportation to their home nations is not possible.
President Donald Trump also condemned the murder, calling it &ldquo;brutal and horrifying.&rdquo; He blamed the Biden administration for allowing Cobos-Martinez to remain in the US, citing prior arrests for child sexual abuse, grand theft auto, and false imprisonment. Trump vowed stricter enforcement under his leadership and assured that the accused would face prosecution for first-degree murder.
The killing has triggered widespread outrage in Texas and reignited debates over immigration policy, deportation practices, and the risks posed by undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.

Beheading of Indian national in Texas reignites US debate on immigration enforcement

DHS Slams Texas Murder by Cuban National

Beheading of Indian national in Texas reignites US debate on immigration enforcement

September 16, 2025 | 15:19 IST