Texas Mariachi Teen Musicians Detained by ICE Draw Political Support

Two teenage brothers from a celebrated high school mariachi band in Texas were taken into custody by immigration officials along with their family while attending a routine check-in. The detention has prompted lawmakers from both parties to criticize the enforcement action against the family who was pursuing asylum.

McALLEN, Texas — Immigration enforcement officials have detained members of a Mexican family, including two teenage sons who performed with an award-winning high school mariachi ensemble, drawing criticism from politicians on both sides of the aisle who say the action goes too far.

The Gámez-Cuéllar family was taken into custody on February 25th during what should have been a routine immigration check-in, according to family members and supporters who have started fundraising efforts online. The family includes brothers Antonio, 18, Joshua, 14, and a 12-year-old sibling, along with their parents.

The two older boys had earned recognition as key performers in McAllen High School’s Mariachi Oro ensemble, a group that has achieved remarkable success including White House appearances, Carnegie Hall performances, and eight state championship titles.

Antonio was freed from the Raymondville immigration detention facility on Monday afternoon, though he and his legal team declined to speak with media. His four family members remain held at a separate facility in Dilley, Texas, designed for families.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have not yet provided a response to media inquiries about the case.

Politicians from different parties have expressed solidarity with the Mexican family, who had been seeking asylum through official U.S. immigration channels.

“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,” said Rep. Monica de la Cruz, a Republican congresswoman representing McAllen.

McAllen’s Republican mayor, Javier Villalobos, expressed his backing for the family while continuing his push for “responsible pathways for law abiding individuals who want to contribute to our economy, support their families, and become productive neighbors in McAllen.”

Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas made the trip to visit the four detained family members at the Dilley facility on Monday. Castro has previously advocated at the same location for the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos from Minnesota and his Ecuadorian father.

New York Democratic Representative Adriano Espaillat, who leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, described the family’s detention as “outrageous.”

“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,” he said.