An altercation at a Christmas gathering in Georgia escalated into violence when two individuals, both illegal immigrants, became embroiled in a serious dispute, authorities reported. The incident, which took place in Gainesville, involved a machete attack, leaving one man severely injured.

According to details from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, patrol deputies were dispatched to the scene early Saturday morning, around 3 a.m., responding to reports of a disturbance. The altercation unfolded between Carlos Hernandez Nicolas, aged 42, and Jose Turcios Garcia, aged 38, who had initially engaged in a heated verbal exchange.

As tensions flared, the argument quickly turned physical, culminating in Hernandez Nicolas allegedly seizing a machete and striking Turcios Garcia. This violent act resulted in Garcia sustaining significant injuries, most notably the loss of his left thumb.

Following the attack, emergency responders transported Turcios Garcia to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, where he received medical treatment for his injuries. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials managed to recover the machete at the location of the incident, further aiding their investigation.

Carlos Hernandez Nicolas allegedly attacked Jose Turcios Garcia with a machete during a Christmas gathering in Gainesville, Georgia, sending Garcia to hospital with an amputated left thumb. (Hall County Sheriff’s Office)

The victim was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville for injuries that included an amputated left thumb. The HCSO said the machete used in the attack was later found at the scene.

An iStock photo of a machete against a wooden background. (iStock)

Hernandez Nicolas was taken into custody and remains in jail without bond on a felony count of aggravated battery.

The men got into a verbal argument beforehand that turned into a physical fight, Georgia police said. (Getty Images)

Turcios Garcia was released from the hospital after treatment of his injuries, and HCSO said he was jailed on a failure to appear charge. Both men were placed under immigration holds.