Mariachi Teen Brothers Detained by ICE Spark Bipartisan Backlash

Two teen mariachi musicians detained in South Texas raise concerns over Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The detention by U.S. immigration authorities of two teen brothers who were prominent members of a nationally recognized mariachi band in South Texas has triggered bipartisan criticism. Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and Joshua, 14, were detained along with their 12-year-old brother and their parents on February 25 as the family was checking in with immigration authorities. The teenage boys were part of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band, which has performed at prestigious venues. The family had been seeking asylum in the U.S. and were going through their immigration proceedings.

Why it matters

The detention of the mariachi teen brothers has sparked bipartisan backlash, with elected officials from both parties criticizing the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies. The case highlights concerns that the administration's crackdown on illegal immigration may be overreaching and impacting families who are legally seeking asylum.

The details

The Gámez-Cuéllar family, including parents Emma Guadalupe Cuellar Lopez and Luis Antonio Gamez Martinez, were detained by ICE on February 25 as they were checking in with authorities as instructed. The family had entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 near Brownsville, Texas, but were going through the legal process to seek asylum. Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, was released on Monday, while the other family members were held at a separate detention center. The teenage brothers were prominent members of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band.

  • The Gámez-Cuéllar family was detained by ICE on February 25, 2026.
  • Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, was released from detention on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar

An 18-year-old member of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band who was detained by ICE along with his family.

Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar

A 14-year-old member of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band who was detained by ICE along with his family.

Emma Guadalupe Cuellar Lopez

The mother of the Gámez-Cuéllar family, who was detained by ICE along with her husband and children.

Luis Antonio Gamez Martinez

The father of the Gámez-Cuéllar family, who was detained by ICE along with his wife and children.

Joaquin Castro

A Texas Democratic Congressman who visited the Gámez-Cuéllar family while they were detained.

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What they’re saying

“I challenge my colleagues to work together for new enforcement policies that not only secure our border but make safer communities and that ultimately are common sense. These two things do not have to be in contradiction.”

— Rep. Monica de la Cruz, Republican Congresswoman representing McAllen (cbsnews.com)

“This year, he's going to be graduating from high school and going to college and joining some other groups in college. He wants to be a music educator.”

— Neri Fuentes, Assistant Mariachi Director (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Gámez-Cuéllar family to be released on bail while their asylum claims are heard.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions between the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies and concerns over the impact on families legally seeking asylum. It has sparked bipartisan criticism, with elected officials calling for a balanced approach that secures the border while also protecting vulnerable populations.