U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Arrests Owner of Maroches Bakery
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Manuel Tellez, the owner of Maroches Bakery in Oak Cliff, on March 4. This arrest is a significant development in a case that has garnered considerable attention in recent months.
Background of the Case
In June 2023, Tellez pleaded guilty to the April 2022 death of 52-year-old Anthony Moreno, a popular local artist whom he killed after interviewing him on a live stream for his social media. Tellez struck a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to manslaughter and receiving a sentence of eight years deferred adjudication probation.
In a release, ICE said it prioritized Tellez’s arrest after identifying him as “removable” following his arrest for the killing. The agency emphasized the seriousness of the offense, with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas acting Field Office Director Josh Johnson stating, “This is an egregious offender.”
Arrest and Charges
The arrest comes amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to deport immigrants with criminal records. According to records from the 256th District Court in Dallas County, police arrested Tellez after he stabbed Moreno seven times on April 3, 2022. After stabbing Moreno, Tellez bought gasoline, doused the body, and set it on fire in an alley near Maroches Bakery, where they had been hours earlier, according to court documents.
Tellez initially faced a murder charge, but it was reduced to manslaughter. Despite the severity of the crime, Tellez received no prison time for this conviction and was placed back into the community with community supervision for eight years, as noted by ICE.
Motivations Behind the Crime
At a case hearing in June 2023, a detective revealed that Tellez and Moreno were rivals in a love triangle. The victim’s family described the crime as “out of lust” and “out of anger,” although no further details were released. This complex web of relationships and motivations underscores the tragic nature of the events that unfolded.
Community Impact
Tellez was a well-known figure in Oak Cliff and other parts of Dallas, thanks to his Maroches Bakery. In addition to selling traditional Mexican bread at his shop, he supplied restaurants with baked goods. On his Instagram account, Tellez shared many moments in Texas after he was placed on probation, a testament to his integration into the community.
Staff writer Maggie Prosser contributed to this report, providing valuable insights into the case and its implications for the community.
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Conclusion
The arrest of Manuel Tellez by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlights the complexities of immigration and criminal justice in the United States. As the country grapples with issues of border control, deportation, and community safety, cases like Tellez’s underscore the need for nuanced and informed discussion. The integration of immigrants into American communities is a multifaceted issue, with both positive contributions and challenges that must be addressed thoughtfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Manuel Tellez and why was he arrested by ICE?
A: Manuel Tellez is the owner of Maroches Bakery in Oak Cliff. He was arrested by ICE due to his conviction for manslaughter, which made him eligible for deportation.
Q: What were the circumstances of Anthony Moreno’s death?
A: Anthony Moreno was killed by Manuel Tellez after being stabbed seven times. Tellez then set Moreno’s body on fire in an alley near his
