Texas Teen Mariachi Brothers Released From ICE Custody

Family reunited after case drew widespread criticism from lawmakers and advocates

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Texas family, including two teenage mariachi musicians who are part of an award-winning band, was reunited on Monday after being detained by immigration authorities. The family had entered the U.S. legally in 2023 and were awaiting their final asylum hearing when they were detained during a routine check-in with immigration officials. The case drew bipartisan outrage from lawmakers who raised concerns over the family's treatment.

Why it matters

The detention of the Gámez-Cuéllar family, including the two teen mariachi musicians, highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly the impact on families and children. The case sparked bipartisan criticism, underscoring the broader debate over immigration policies and the treatment of immigrant communities.

The details

Antonio Yesayahu Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and his brother Caleb, 14, along with their 12-year-old brother and parents, were detained on Feb. 25 after they appeared for a scheduled check-in with federal immigration authorities. Gámez-Cuéllar was separated from his family and held at a different facility. The family had entered the U.S. in 2023 through the Biden-era CBP One app and were awaiting their final asylum hearing scheduled for later this year.

  • The family was detained on February 25, 2026.
  • The family was reunited on March 9, 2026.

The players

Antonio Yesayahu Gámez-Cuéllar

An 18-year-old member of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band.

Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar

A 14-year-old member of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band.

Joaquin Castro

A Texas Democratic Congressman who confirmed the release of the Gámez-Cuéllar family.

Monica de la Cruz

A Texas Republican Congresswoman who announced the release of Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar.

Efrén Olivares

The vice president of litigation and legal strategy at the National Immigration Law Center, who called Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar's detention a "cruel and calculated attack".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Antonio is going home. The Gámez-Cuéllar family are valued members of our community. I was honored to stand with Antonio and his fellow mariachis when they visited my office last year, and I am honored to stand with him again.”

— Monica de la Cruz, Texas Republican Congresswoman (usatoday.com)

“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.”

— Joaquin Castro, Texas Democratic Congressman (X)

“We are glad that Antonio and his family are reunited, thanks to the courageous activism of their friends and community. Antonio's case shows us the power we have when we come together to fight injustice. As we celebrate Antonio's release and look forward to his high school graduation, let's use this energy to fight for the release of other immigrant families held in ICE detention across the country.”

— Efrén Olivares, Vice President of Litigation and Legal Strategy, National Immigration Law Center (usatoday.com)

What’s next

The family is expected to attend Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar's high school graduation later this year.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly the impact on families and children. The bipartisan outrage over the Gámez-Cuéllar family's detention underscores the need for more humane and compassionate policies that support immigrant communities rather than tear them apart.