LOS FRESNOS, Texas — Abby’s Bakery, owned by Leonardo Baez and Nora Avila-Guel, serves as a beloved local gathering place in the Texas town of Los Fresnos. Many residents stop by for coffee and pastries, whether for birthdays, office parties, or personal indulgences.
The community was taken aback when Homeland Security Investigations agents raided the bakery in February, leading to the arrest of the owners and eight employees. Locals were quick to defend Baez and Avila-Guel, stating these individuals are not the sort of criminals that policymakers typically target for deportation.
“I was shocked because they genuinely help people,” said Esteban Rodriguez, 43, upon discovering the bakery’s closure. “They provided support to those who needed it, keeping them off the streets.”
As a majority Hispanic community of 8,500 residents, Los Fresnos represents a complex landscape for immigration policy. The town recently showed a political shift, with Cameron County voting Republican for the first time since 2004. Meanwhile, Baez and Avila-Guel, both legal U.S. permanent residents, face the possibility of losing their bakery over allegations of harboring undocumented immigrants—a rare scenario where business owners could face criminal charges.
Located just a half-hour from the U.S.-Mexico border, Los Fresnos relies heavily on its local bakery. Every day, community members, including school bus drivers and churchgoers, frequent Abby’s to enjoy their baked goods.
Six of the bakery’s eight employees had visitor visas but lacked work permits at the time of the raid, which the owners reportedly acknowledged. Due to the circumstances, employees were found living in shared accommodations within the bakery building.
Baez and Avila-Guel have pleaded not guilty, citing that the employees were not held against their will and that their presence was known, contrary to smuggling actions.
As green card holders, a conviction could result in their deportation, leaving their five U.S. citizen children behind.
After the arrests, Abby’s Bakery closed temporarily, prompting about 20 people to protest in support of the owners on a chilly evening.
Monsignor Pedro Briseño of St. Cecilia Church expressed his shock at the raid, recounting a tearful encounter with a worried sister of an employee during the incident.
Public sentiment about deportations is split; while there is strong bipartisan support for removing violent offenders, opinion softens toward individuals without criminal records who are undocumented immigrants.
In a stark contrast to prior administrations, current policies under Trump focus on broader deportation measures, leading to mixed reactions from communities like Los Fresnos, which have deep-rooted ties to immigrant populations.
Despite the turmoil, Abby’s Bakery has since reopened, drawing loyal customers back to its shelves.
Regulars like Chela and Alicia Vega, who have personal connections with the owners, reminisce about the couple’s kindness over the years. For many, supporting the bakery has turned into a form of protest against current immigration enforcement practices.
Los Fresnos City Manager Mark W. Milum emphasized Abby’s significance to the local economy, noting its contributions to property and sales tax revenue.
For customers, it’s not just about the baked goods—they return for the warmth and familiarity of Abby’s, a true community staple.
