US EditionTwo teen brothers in Texas mariachi band are released from ICE custody amid bipartisan criticism
The McAllen mariachi family was freed after bipartisan congressional advocacy and public protests, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement challenges in South Texas.
- On Monday, March 9, the Gámez-Cuéllar family was released from Texas detention.
- The Gámez-Cuéllar family fled cartel violence in Mexico and entered the U.S. in May 2023 through the CBP One asylum appointment system; their parents were arrested by ICE on February 25.
- Detained relatives described the Raymondville facility as crowded and upsetting, Antonio Gómez-Cuállar later recalled, describing conditions he would not wish on any family.
- The family reunited publicly at a San Antonio press conference, but their immigration case remains pending and the Department of Homeland Security said they will have mandatory ICE check-ins.
- The episode underscores how immigrant detentions have become a flashpoint in contested South Texas politics, with advocates warning that detention can harm children's health, raising welfare concerns at Dilley Family Detention Center.
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69 Articles
Less than a year ago, Antonio and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar were recognized at the U.S. Capitol for their award-winning performances with one of the most outstanding mariachi school programs in the country. Months later, they and their family passed...
Journal Sentinel
USA TodayTexas teen mariachi brothers, family released from ICE custody
High school mariachi musicians released from ICE detention
Two high school mariachi musicians were released Monday with their family from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Texas after pressure from a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Officials released Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, who was detained and held at the El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville, Texas. His brother and fellow mariachi player,…
McAllen family reunites after being detained by ICE
A McAllen family, including award-winning Mariachi Oro students, has been released from ICE custody following a high-profile bipartisan push. Join the community for a welcome rally and press conference at McAllen High School as they reunite after nearly two weeks in detention.
Detained Family With Award-Winning Mariachi Ties Released
Throughout Texas and the country, the plight of the Gámez-Cuéllar family spread rapidly through headlines and social media. The family, which includes award-winning high-school mariachi players, had been detained at two separate facilities in Texas, after a routine immigration check-in last month. On Monday, March 9, all five members of the family were released from detention facilities in Texas. Four members of the family were at Dilley Detenti…
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