High school mariachi musicians released from ICE detention

Two brothers and their family were held at detention centers in Texas before bipartisan pressure led to their release.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Two high school mariachi musicians, Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and his brother Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar, 14, were released Monday from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in Texas after a bipartisan group of lawmakers intervened. The family had been held at the El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville and the Dilley Immigration Processing Center after entering the U.S. in 2023 and claiming asylum.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the treatment of asylum-seeking families, especially those with children, by the U.S. government. It also showcases the power of political pressure and bipartisan cooperation in securing the release of detainees.

The details

Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar and his brother Caleb, both members of their high school mariachi band, were detained along with their family after entering the U.S. at the border crossing in Brownsville, Texas in 2023. The family claimed asylum after fleeing threats by cartel members in Mexico. The parents, Luis Antonio Gámez and Emma Guadalupe Cuéllar Lopez, were arrested on February 25th, with the children taken into custody as well. After pressure from a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), the family was released from detention.

  • On February 25, 2026, the parents of the Gámez-Cuéllar family were arrested by ICE.
  • On March 10, 2026, the Gámez-Cuéllar family was released from ICE detention centers in Texas.

The players

Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar

An 18-year-old high school mariachi musician who was detained by ICE at the El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville, Texas.

Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar

A 14-year-old high school mariachi musician and the brother of Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, who was detained by ICE at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas.

Luis Antonio Gámez

The father of Antonio and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar, who claimed asylum after fleeing threats by cartel members in Mexico.

Emma Guadalupe Cuéllar Lopez

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

Rep. Monica De La Cruz

The Republican congresswoman who represents the district where the Gámez-Cuéllar family lives and who advocated for their release.

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What they’re saying

“'You literally save this family,'”

— Luis Antonio Gámez (The New York Times)

“'When I returned to the Dilley trailer prison today, I brought my colleagues in Congress to meet with the children and families and to bear witness to their stories. We are grateful for the release of the Gámez-Cuéllar family and we will not stop until we #FreeOurChildren. All of them.'”

— Rep. Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative (X)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented on the release of the Gámez-Cuéllar family. It remains to be seen if there will be any further legal proceedings or actions taken regarding their asylum claim.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and debates around immigration policies, the treatment of asylum-seeking families, and the power of political pressure and bipartisan cooperation to secure the release of detainees, even in high-profile cases involving young musicians.