Two Texas Mariachi Brothers Released from ICE Custody

Bipartisan criticism leads to release of teen musicians after family detention

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Two teenage brothers who are members of a nationally recognized mariachi band in South Texas have been released from immigration custody after being detained along with their parents and younger brother. The brothers, Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and Joshua, 14, were prominent members of the McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band, which has performed at high-profile venues. The family had been checking in regularly with immigration authorities when they were detained on February 25. After bipartisan criticism, the younger children and parents were released on Monday, while the eldest son, Antonio, was released separately from a different detention center.

Why it matters

The detention of the mariachi-performing brothers and their family sparked bipartisan outrage, with elected officials from both parties condemning the move as an overreach of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. The case highlights ongoing tensions around immigration and the impact on families, especially those who are actively engaged in their communities.

The details

The Gámez-Cuéllar family, who are from Mexico and had sought asylum in the U.S., were detained on February 25 along with their 12-year-old son. The two teenage boys, Antonio and Joshua, were prominent members of the award-winning McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band. After being held in separate detention facilities, the younger children and parents were released on Monday, while the eldest son, Antonio, was released separately.

  • The family was detained on February 25, 2026.
  • The younger children and parents were released on Monday, March 10, 2026.
  • The eldest son, Antonio, was released separately on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar

An 18-year-old member of the nationally recognized McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band.

Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar

A 14-year-old member of the nationally recognized McAllen High School Mariachi Oro band.

Emma Guadalupe Cuellar Lopez

The mother of the Gámez-Cuéllar brothers.

Luis Antonio Gamez Martinez

The father of the Gámez-Cuéllar brothers.

Efrén C. Olivares

An attorney with the National Immigration Law Center representing the eldest son, Antonio.

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What they’re saying

“They were ecstatic. They were crying. They were excited to be reunited with their son and brother, Antonio, who was being held separately in Raymondville.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative, Texas (ABC News)

“What did we do wrong? We followed all the rules. We went to court, we haven't done anything wrong.”

— Emma Guadalupe Cuellar Lopez, Mother of the Gámez-Cuéllar brothers (ABC News)

“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.”

— Monica de la Cruz, U.S. Representative, Texas (ABC News)

What’s next

The family will continue their immigration proceedings as they work to resolve their legal status in the United States.

The takeaway

This case highlights the human impact of aggressive immigration enforcement policies, even on families who are actively engaged in their communities and following legal processes. It underscores the need for a more compassionate and common-sense approach to immigration that balances security concerns with the realities faced by immigrant families.