President Donald Trump described the murder of Chandra Mooli Nagamariah in Dallas, Texas, as a “terrifying” incident that highlights failures in immigration enforcement.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump named the alleged attacker, Jordanis Cobos Martinez, a 37-year-old Cuban citizen with a history of arrests in the United States. The crime reportedly involved Cobos Martinez attacking Nagamariah with a machete at a downtown motel, fatally wounding him in front of his wife and child. Witnesses noted that the violence erupted over a dispute concerning a broken washing machine and difficulties in communication.
Cobos Martinez has been charged with capital murder after being arrested at the scene. Trump accused former President Joe Biden of mismanaging the situation, insisting that Cobos Martinez should not have been released, especially following a previous conviction and an attempted deportation.
“This individual had been arrested for serious crimes, including child sexual abuse and grand larceny, but was let go under Joe Biden’s administration because Cuba didn’t want him back,” Trump remarked.
Cobos Martinez was under an order for removal to Cuba. He had most recently been in custody with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but he was released on a supervisory order in January 2025 because Cuba refused to accept him, citing his criminal record. This ongoing issue poses challenges in U.S. immigration enforcement.
In the course of his remarks, Trump commended Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondy for enhancing law enforcement measures, asserting that criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
