Mariachi Family Released from Detention After Visit from Rep. Joaquin Castro

The Gámez-Cuéllar family was detained despite the musical accomplishments of their sons.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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An immigrant family detained since late February despite the musical accomplishments of their mariachi sons was released Monday from a South Texas lockup during a visit from San Antonio U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and other Democratic lawmakers. The Gámez-Cuéllar family crossed the border from Mexico legally in 2023 to seek asylum after the father was reportedly kidnapped by cartel members. Their sons have received numerous honors for their musical abilities since relocating to Texas.

Why it matters

The release of the Gámez-Cuéllar family highlights concerns over the Trump administration's immigration policies and the detention of families seeking asylum, even those with accomplished children. It also raises questions about the role of politics in immigration enforcement decisions.

The details

The Gámez-Cuéllar family was detained at an ICE check-in appointment on Feb. 25. The sons, Antonio Yesayahu Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar, 14, were honored in Washington D.C. for winning a statewide mariachi competition in Texas just nine months ago. However, Antonio was detained separately from the family at a different facility. The family was released during a visit from Rep. Joaquin Castro and other Democratic lawmakers.

  • The Gámez-Cuéllar family was detained at an ICE check-in appointment on February 25, 2026.
  • Nine months ago, the Gámez-Cuéllar sons were honored in Washington D.C. for winning a statewide mariachi competition in Texas.

The players

Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative from San Antonio, Texas, who visited the detention center where the Gámez-Cuéllar family was being held.

Gámez-Cuéllar family

An immigrant family from McAllen, Texas, who was detained despite the musical accomplishments of their mariachi sons.

Antonio Yesayahu Gámez-Cuéllar

The 18-year-old son of the Gámez-Cuéllar family, who was detained separately from the rest of his family.

Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar

The 14-year-old son of the Gámez-Cuéllar family, who has received numerous honors for his musical abilities.

Monica De La Cruz

A Republican U.S. Representative who represents the Gámez-Cuéllar family's hometown of McAllen, Texas, and has been advocating for their release.

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What they’re saying

“The Gámez-Cuéllar family should never have been sitting in the Dilley trailer prison. Their story underlies the cruelty, irony and hypocrisy of the Trump administration's mass deportation policy.”

— Joaquin Castro, U.S. Representative (sacurrent.com)

“We have been praying for their family over the last couple of days, and thankfully, he is now beside me and is going home to his family, friends, and friends who love him and miss him dearly. I want to say this: This day should not be about politics.”

— Monica De La Cruz, U.S. Representative (San Antonio Express-News)

What’s next

The Gámez-Cuéllar family's asylum case will continue to move forward now that they have been released from detention.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, politics, and the human impact on families seeking asylum, even those with accomplished children. It raises questions about the treatment of immigrant families and the role of elected officials in intervening on their behalf.