myRGV
The harboring case involving the owners of Abby’s Bakery in Los Fresnos has drawn widespread attention since news spread of their arrest.
As the case proceeded through Brownsville federal court, the fate of bakery owners Leonardo Baez and Nora Alicia Avila-Guel held particular weight on many who felt that the ensuing verdict could have resounding consequences on many throughout the United States.
One individual who was paying close attention to the case was acclaimed local author Viola Canales. The McAllen native is a lecturer at Stanford Law School and the author of the award-winning novel “The Tequila Worm.”
She said that she was drawn to the case given its proximity to her hometown and the picture it painted for many who, like her, grew up along the border.
“Right now, based on the conviction and the trial, the narrative out there is that Leonardo Baez and Nora Avila are criminals,” Canales said. “I think that the truer story is that they’re hard working people who are trying to not only make a living but to also help friends and family.”
Baez and Avila were both found guilty of all charges on Aug. 13. Canales said that she fears the outcome of the case could have troubling implications.
“It makes me feel that these two bakery owners are being demonized and they’re being attacked,” she said. “Not only that, but our Mexican-American culture is being demonized.”
She described the guilty verdicts as a “moral injustice,” and drew connections to her own childhood when she used to be punished for speaking Spanish in school. She said that the results of the case could have a ripple effect that sees more Mexican Americans being targeted.
“I just felt really, really sad and angry because to me, what I’ve read about Leonardo and Nora, they’re very spiritual people,” Canales said. “They’re very religious people. And in that culture of spirituality and religion, it’s always to lend a hand and to see people not as others, but to see them all as the children of God.”
As she watched the case unfold, she drew inspiration from Baez and Avila’s story. Taking the anger and fear that she felt as a Mexican American, she utilized those emotions to do what she does best — write.
She is in the process of writing a draft for a new book titled, “Mary’s Bakery Trial: Twelve Pan Dulce Testify for Mary.”
Her book, which is still in its early stages, brings the reader into a courtroom where 12 pan dulce must testify on behalf of a bakery owner named Mary. Canales uses the pan dulce to tell a story of family and unity in the face of adversity.
To read rest of the story, click on link: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/08/29/author-from-mcallen-reacts-to-guilty-verdict-for-los-fresnos-bakery-owners/
9 comments:
If you believe in forever
then life is just a one-night stand. . . .
Why not open the bakery in Matamoros? Was it chasing the almighty dollar that doomed them? Yes, it's a sob story but one that could have been easily prevented.
You MEXICANS seem to have a problem with something known as the RULE of LAW. Too fucking bad!
It is important to recognize that harboring an illegal immigrant is a violation of federal law. The owners of the bakery in question were aware that they were contravening these laws yet chose to persist in their unlawful practices. While they may portray themselves as diligent workers, it is evident that the individuals truly contributing to their operations were undocumented immigrants. The claim that they were assisting friends and family seems unfounded, as it appears they were primarily benefiting themselves at the expense of vulnerable communities. These actions warrant accountability, particularly in a society where the principles of legality and fairness should prevail. It is crucial to acknowledge that the institution of slavery has long been abolished in this country.
Much like drug dealing. It's illegal but profitable until you get caught.
What a crock of shit. What part of illegal do you not get? What part of taking advantage of a vulnerable soul do you not get? Juanito, this wouldn't be another paid political announcement from one of your paying patrons, would it? You'll do anything for a free beer won't you?
Writers bend the truth to sell their books. I want to read the novel: a couple with a big heart help those in need. The money was used to help their kids with their first communion celebration and the quinceanera party. I do not want to read about: a couple took advantage of illegal aliens and kept them as prisoners and paid them low wages. Boring because that is the truth.
They're going to be deported. They can open up a bakery in Matamoscas and hire as many Mexicans as they want.
The bread was good though. Los fresnos resident and frequent shopper!
Post a Comment