Mariachi Band Teens Detained by ICE, Sparking Bipartisan Criticism

Brothers who were prominent members of award-winning high school mariachi band detained along with parents

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two teenage brothers who were prominent members of a nationally recognized mariachi band in South Texas have been detained by U.S. immigration authorities, along with their parents and younger brother. The detention of the Gámez-Cuéllar family has triggered bipartisan criticism that the Trump administration's immigration enforcement has overreached.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, with critics arguing that detaining prominent members of the community who were going through proper channels undermines efforts to balance border security with humane treatment of immigrants.

The details

Brothers Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and Joshua, 14, were detained on February 25th along with their 12-year-old brother and their parents. The family had been regularly checking in with immigration authorities as instructed. Antonio was released on Monday, but the other four family members remain detained at a separate facility.

  • The Gámez-Cuéllar family was detained on February 25, 2026.
  • Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar was released on March 9, 2026.

The players

Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar

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

Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar

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

McAllen High School Mariachi Oro

A nationally recognized mariachi band that has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and won eight state championships.

Rep. Monica de la Cruz

A Republican congresswoman representing McAllen, Texas.

Javier Villalobos

The Republican mayor of McAllen, Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Gamez-Cuellar family's story breaks my heart. South Texans know better than anyone that we can secure our border and still treat people with dignity — these are not competing values.”

— Rep. Monica de la Cruz, Republican Congresswoman (ksgf.com)

“I supported the family and said I continue to advocate for 'responsible pathways for law abiding individuals who want to contribute to our economy, support their families, and become productive neighbors in McAllen.'”

— Javier Villalobos, Mayor of McAllen (ksgf.com)

“This family followed the rules, showed up to their immigration appointment in good faith, and is now being torn apart by ICE, with their 18-year-old son separated from his parents and younger brothers.”

— Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the detained family members to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, with critics arguing that detaining prominent members of the community who were going through proper channels undermines efforts to balance border security with humane treatment of immigrants.