Mariachi Teen Brothers Released From ICE Detention

Lawmakers visit South Texas facility, secure release of celebrated musicians

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Two teenage brothers and mariachi stars who visited the White House last summer were released with their family on Monday from an ICE detention center in South Texas, following a visit by a delegation of Democratic lawmakers who pressed for their release. The family had been detained over a week ago after entering the U.S. in 2023 and claiming asylum, fleeing threats in Mexico.

Why it matters

The case had drawn national outrage, highlighting concerns over the detention of immigrant families, even those with celebrated young artists, amid the ongoing immigration crackdown. It also raised questions about the conditions at the Dilley detention facility, which has faced previous complaints about inadequate food, medical care, and accommodations for detainees.

The details

The Gámez-Cuéllar family entered the U.S. in 2023 at the border crossing in Brownsville, Texas, and claimed asylum, saying they were fleeing threats in Mexico. Last summer, the brothers were invited by Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz to perform on Capitol Hill as part of a championship-winning mariachi group. They also visited the White House. However, over a week ago, the family was detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas.

  • The family entered the U.S. in 2023.
  • Last summer, the brothers performed on Capitol Hill and visited the White House.
  • Over a week ago, the family was detained at the Dilley facility.
  • On Monday, the brothers and their family were released from detention.

The players

Joaquin Castro

A Democratic Representative from Texas who led the delegation of lawmakers to the detention center and worked to secure the family's release.

Antonio and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar

The two teenage brothers and mariachi stars who were detained at the Dilley facility.

Luis Antonio Martínez

The father of the Gámez-Cuéllar brothers, who said the family was fleeing threats in Mexico.

Monica De La Cruz

The Republican lawmaker who had invited the brothers to perform on Capitol Hill last year, but was criticized for not showing interest in their case until the public outcry.

Dilley Immigration Processing Center

The detention facility in South Texas where the Gámez-Cuéllar family was being held.

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What they’re saying

“The mom is very heartbroken and upset, and she feels like her sons were used. She's saying, 'We followed all the rules; we went to our appointments; we haven't done anything wrong.' They're very nervous, it's so uncertain for them.”

— Joaquin Castro, Representative from Texas (New York Times)

“The people were there were so desperate. I don't care what their parents did; no kid should be living in that condition. The kids seemed really anxious and depressed. It was just really horrible situation. I felt like I should be apologizing on behalf of the United States.”

— Sara Jacobs, Representative from California (New York Times)

“I don't even understand why they're being detained. This kid performed at the White House, and here he is with his family detained at this facility — this is like being in jail. I'm so sad this is happening in this country.”

— Jim McGovern, Representative from Massachusetts (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the third, older brother, Antonio, to be released from the separate adult detention facility where he is being held.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and uncertainty facing immigrant families, even those with celebrated young members, as they navigate the U.S. immigration system. It also raises concerns about the conditions and treatment of detainees at facilities like the Dilley center, which has faced previous complaints about inadequate resources and accommodations.