Dallas, September 14, 2025
News Summary
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer for Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national charged with capital murder following the beheading of a coworker at a Dallas motel. The incident involved a machete and occurred after a dispute in front of the victim’s family. Witnesses reported erratic behavior during the attack. Cobos-Martinez, previously in ICE custody, is now facing serious charges while immigration proceedings loom.
Dallas
ICE lodges detainer for Cuban national charged with beheading in Dallas
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed a detainer for Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national who is facing capital murder charges in connection with the fatal beheading of a fellow worker at a Dallas motel. Cobos-Martinez, who is in the United States without legal status, was arrested at the motel on September 10 and is currently held at Dallas County Jail.
Key facts
- The victim has been identified as a worker named Chandra Nagamallaiah.
- The attack reportedly involved a machete and occurred after an argument; the assault took place in front of the victim’s spouse and child.
- Surveillance video shows Cobos-Martinez leaving a motel room, retrieving a machete and then attacking the victim outside the building.
- Witnesses described Cobos-Martinez’s behavior during the attack as erratic and detached.
- Authorities reported a rapid police response that led to the arrest of Cobos-Martinez at the scene.
- ICE lodged its detainer with Dallas County Jail after the arrest.
Details of the incident and arrest
According to reports, the assault began after a dispute inside a motel room. Surveillance footage captured Cobos-Martinez leaving the room, returning with a large blade, and committing the attack in the motel’s exterior area. Witnesses at the scene attempted to intervene, including the victim’s spouse and child, but were unable to stop the assault. After the attack, Cobos-Martinez was seen taking items from the victim’s pockets before law enforcement arrived and made an arrest.
He was taken into custody the same day and booked into Dallas County Jail. Prosecutors have charged Cobos-Martinez with capital murder; the case is pending as authorities continue their investigation and prepare for possible court proceedings.
Immigration status and ICE actions
Cobos-Martinez is in the United States without legal status. ICE lodged a detainer with local jail officials following the arrest, signaling federal interest in keeping him in custody for potential immigration actions after criminal proceedings are resolved.
ICE officials and the agency’s leadership publicly condemned the attack and characterized it as an especially brutal act. ICE also noted that Cobos-Martinez had previously been in federal immigration custody and was released in January 2025 under an Order of Supervision because Cuban authorities had refused to accept him for return, given his criminal history.
Prior criminal history and release
Records show Cobos-Martinez has an extensive prior criminal record that includes allegations and charges such as child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment and carjacking. Those prior matters influenced ICE’s previous detention and the later decision to place him on an Order of Supervision when Cuba did not agree to take him back.
Reactions and broader context
ICE leadership criticized the prior release and framed the incident as an example of the risks posed by certain individuals who remain in the United States without legal status. The case has become part of an ongoing public debate over immigration enforcement, detention policies and border security. The motel killing is being cited by officials who argue for stricter removal and detention of noncitizens with serious criminal histories.
Local law enforcement emphasized the swift response to the scene and the ongoing criminal investigation. Prosecutors are pursuing capital murder charges, which carry the most severe penalties under state law if convictions are secured through the court process.
What happens next
Criminal case proceedings will move forward under Dallas County jurisdiction while ICE’s detainer signals potential separate immigration actions. The detainer allows federal authorities to request custody for immigration purposes once state criminal proceedings are completed or when permitted by law. Any decisions about removal, deportation, or further federal charges will depend on the outcomes of the criminal case and subsequent immigration reviews.
Background on Orders of Supervision
An Order of Supervision is an administrative mechanism used by ICE in some cases to release individuals from immigration detention while imposing conditions for monitoring. Orders are sometimes used when removal is not immediately possible because the person’s country of origin refuses to accept them. Critics and supporters of the practice debate its use, particularly in cases where the individual has a serious criminal history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was charged in the Dallas motel killing?
Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national, was charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal beheading of a fellow worker at a Dallas motel.
When and where did the attack occur?
The assault occurred at a motel in Dallas and led to an arrest on September 10. Surveillance footage captured parts of the incident.
What is Cobos-Martinez’s immigration status?
He is in the United States without legal status. ICE has lodged a detainer with local jail officials following his arrest.
Was Cobos-Martinez previously in ICE custody?
Yes. He was previously released from ICE custody in January 2025 under an Order of Supervision because Cuban authorities declined to accept him for return.
What prior criminal history is reported?
Reports list prior charges or allegations including child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment and carjacking.
What charges is he facing now?
He is charged with capital murder and remains in Dallas County Jail while the criminal case proceeds and ICE pursues its detainer and any related immigration actions.
Key case features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Yordanis Cobos-Martinez (Cuban national) |
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Date of arrest | September 10 |
| Location | Motel in Dallas, Texas |
| Immigration action | ICE detainer lodged with Dallas County Jail |
| Prior release | Released from ICE custody January 2025 under Order of Supervision |
| Reported prior criminal history | Child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment, carjacking |
| Evidence cited | Surveillance video and witness accounts |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested for Beheading Employer in Dallas Motel
Man Charged with Capital Murder After Beheading at Dallas Motel
Cuban National Charged with Capital Murder in Dallas Motel Attack
Motel Manager Beheaded in Dallas Attack
Motel Manager Fatally Attacked in Downtown Dallas
Additional Resources
- KWTX News
- NBC DFW
- CNN
- WFAA
- Star-Telegram
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Google Search: Dallas motel beheading
- Google Scholar: Dallas motel beheading
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas motel
- Google News: Dallas motel beheading
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
