MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas leaders have voiced their anger over the detainment of the Gámez-Cuéllar family by Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
Three brothers, Antonio (18), Caleb (14) and Joshua (12) are award-winning musicians with McAllen ISD’s nationally-acclaimed Mariachi Oro. Caleb and Joshua, along with their parents, are languishing in the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. Antonio, a high school senior who is only months away from graduating, is stuck in El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville, Texas.
San Antonio-based journalist and anthropologist Cecilia Balli has reported on the Gámez-Cuéllar case. She has been chronicling school mariachis on the South Texas border for the past four years. In November 2022, she published “A Championship Season in Mariachi Country” for the New York Times Magazine, and is currently writing a book on the topic.
Balli said the Gámez-Cuéllar family came to the United States legally in May 2023 through the CBP One process while seeking asylum after fleeing violence in their home region of Mexico.
She said they passed a credible fear screening and followed the legal immigration process, attending all required ICE check-ins and court appointments. Their final immigration hearing is scheduled for September 2026.
On February 25, the parents were instructed to report to an ICE appointment and bring their sons with them. When the family arrived as directed, they were detained and transferred to immigration detention centers.
Here is the reaction of various South Texas leaders:
Mayor of Harlingen
I know what I’m about to say may not be popular.
My heart breaks for that young mariachi student who was separated from his parents. No child should have to go through that. And it is hard to understand how immigration documents were considered good enough for him to travel to Washington, D.C. for a photo opportunity with politicians, but somehow not good enough for him to go home after checking in with the government.
But he is not the only person inside that detention center.
The reality is that the majority of the people in there did the same thing. They were given documents by the U.S. government and told to report for check ins. They showed up because that is what the process required. Many have scheduled court dates or immigration interviews.
Mothers. Fathers. Husbands. Wives. People who have lived in our communities for years, sometimes decades.
They walked into that building because they were told to show up.
And many of them were taken into custody.
Some have now been there for months.
Today there was a protest. And while the intention may have been to bring awareness, it appears that communication has now been cut off. Families cannot reach their loved ones.
Those calls matter more than people realize. For many inside, hearing their child’s voice or seeing their family through a video call is the highlight of their day. It is the one thing that keeps them going.
If people truly want to help, call every member of Congress you can. Ask them to conduct oversight. Ask them to fight for real immigration reform and not take no for an answer.
Because real change does not happen in a parking lot outside a detention center. It happens in the halls of Congress where the laws are written.
Congressional Candidate, Texas District 15
I need to say something about what's happening to three students from McAllen, Texas, because what's going on right now with the musicians from Mariachi de Oro is not right. These are good kids, talented kids, mariachi students who have represented South Texas with pride on some of the biggest stages in this country.
One of them, Antonio is a senior in high school, first chair trumpet in the entire state of Texas, a few months away from graduating. Right now, he's sitting alone in a detention center in Raymondville, Texas. His parents and his little brothers are locked up in Dilley. This is a family that came here through the legal process. They passed their credible fear interview. They showed up to every single court date, every check in. They followed the rules. They're doing it the right way, and now they're being torn apart.
But here's what really bothers me. Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz was more than happy to invite these kids to Washington when it looked good politically. They toured the White House, they played on national stages, and they were good enough to stand next to for photos, good enough to celebrate when the cameras were rolling. But now that they need help, now that they're sitting in detention centers, where is Monica de la Cruz? I'll tell you where she is. She's hiding in the gated community where she lives, hoping that this story doesn't get traction.
But we've noticed. The truth is, these kids are not criminals. They are students, musicians, young people who believed in this country enough to follow the rules, and now they're being treated like they don't belong. That's wrong. Mariachi teaches discipline, pride, hard work, family, everything we say we want young people to represent. So I'm calling on my fellow leaders in the Texas (congressional) delegation to step up where Monica de la Cruz won’t. These students, these kids, need help, because South Texas is watching.
U.S. Representative, District 15
The Gámez-Cuéllar 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. I have repeated the urge that local that enforcement target those who actually threaten our lives, not good, law abiding, talented people who are working through the legal process. My office is closely monitoring their situation and doing all we can.
I have requested a visit to the detention facility in Raymondville, and we've been in close communication with DHS, ICE, Border Patrol and community leaders to explore every legal option available for the Gámez-Cuéllar family. These are Our neighbors, friends and valued members of the community.
I want to thank everyone in our community for their incredible sport support for the Gámez-Cuéllar family, my team and I continue to be in close communication with federal authorities on their behalf, and I'm doing everything in my power to help them resolve this matter as quickly as possible As I've always said, immigration enforcement should focus on individuals who threaten public safety, not decent people who contribute to South Texas. Please continue to join me in praying for them and lifting them up during this difficult time.
I am troubled by the news surrounding the Gámez-Cuéllar family. As I have consistently said, enforcement resources should be focused on individuals with criminal records — a secure border and commonsense policies must go hand-in-hand. My office is closely monitoring this situation.
City of Hidalgo Council Member
My statement on the Gámez-Cuéllar Family.
The Rio Grande Valley has proudly watched students like Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar represent our region through the power of music.
As members of McAllen High Mariachi Oro, they performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the country — from Carnegie Hall to Capitol Hill and even visiting the White House. In Washington, they were celebrated and even appeared in photos and videos with members of Congress, including Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, proudly representing the culture and talent of South Texas. But apparently they are only good enough to politicians when it comes to pictures and social media. Right Monica De La Cruz ? But what are we going to do when they really need us?
Today, this family faces immigration detention.
Regardless of politics, we must remember something simple: these are students who followed the process, stayed in school, and used the arts to build a better future.
Programs like mariachi, band, choir, theater, and the arts change lives. They give young people discipline, identity, and opportunity. We see it every day here in the Valley.
I also want to express my support for Bobby Pulido for Texas, Bobby Pulido , who understands how important arts and education are for the future of our community.
The Gámez-Cuéllar family represents the best of the Rio Grande Valley.
And here in the Valley, we stand behind our children.
State Senator, District 20
Reading the stories about the Gámez-Cuéllar family makes me cringe. They are a hardworking family from the Rio Grande Valley, with good students in our schools who follow the laws and regulations for asylum seekers. According to reports, Antonio and Caleb Gamez-Cuellar are members of McAllen High’s Mariachi Oro, while Joshua participates in his middle school mariachi program. Their family attended their court hearing, a regular check-in required by asylum seekers, at the end of February and were detained by ICE. This is just another example of how far the pendulum has swung to help the current administration meet whatever quota they have to deport as many people as possible.
As I have mentioned many times, I do not support open borders. As a state senator living on the border, I recognize the importance of maintaining a well-regulated and controlled border. However, we must also approach this situation with compassion. I echo the words of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who stated in her dissent, “We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low-wage job.”
The current administration should concentrate on violent criminals rather than individuals working to provide for their families or students going to school to obtain an education and learn the skills they need to be productive citizens. The American people deserve representatives willing to set aside political agendas and work towards meaningful immigration reform. Actions speak louder than words.
Hidalgo County Commissioner
To the Congressional Hispanic Caucus & all federal officials with any power to intervene: As a County Commissioner in Hidalgo County, I do not have federal authority to intervene in immigration enforcement. However, what I CAN do is speak on behalf of our South Texas community and urge fairness in the handling of families who follow the law. Many families who have complied with legal processes have been deported without the opportunity to fully present their case. I respectfully urge our congressional representatives, especially those representing the border, to speak out for this family and all others who have not been afforded due process. I am writing in support of the McAllen High School mariachi family recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This family entered the U.S. through the official CBP One Program and has followed all legal requirements, attending scheduled check-ins while their immigration case proceeds. They have no criminal history and are positive contributors to our
community. I ask that this family be allowed to continue their legal process while remaining together. I am praying for this family and all other law-abiding families and individuals who are not being given their due process. May they find justice, protection, and the opportunity to fully present their case.
U.S. Representative, District 20
Antonio and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar went from performing with the Mariachi Oro vocalists before Congress to being imprisoned by ICE. I am doing everything in my power to make sure the boys and their family return home safely.
Once again, call me a RINO, not Republican enough, Democrat, or whatever you want. One thing you cannot call me is heartless. I have always supported and been an advocate of all law enforcement from local to Federal. While I support ICE and understand they have a job to do, I cannot accept some current enforcement policies.
For more than a year, I have emphasized the importance of securing our borders to ensure the safety of our community. That, however, must always be balanced with creating lawful, responsible pathways for law abiding individuals who want to contribute to our economy, support their families, and become productive neighbors in McAllen. I’m am not talking amnesty, I’m talking a lawful pathway to employment for the benefit of the individuals and our community.
The reported detention of several MISD mariachi students underscores the need for this type of pathway. As a community, we understand the value of family.
McAllen is a law‑abiding and compassionate community that will continue to encourage our federal leaders to find pathways for those seeking the American dream.
I stand with Mariachi Oro, I stand with the Gámez-Cuéllar family!
McAllen City Commissioner
Standing in solidarity with the community for the release and reunification of the Gámez-Cuéllar family. It is wonderful to see people from McAllen to Brownsville come together and protest. Unfortunately, there are hundreds, if not thousands of similar situations, and it is rooted in a policy of fear. It needs to change. We must demand our federal legislators to take action now.
Cecilia Balli,
Journalist and Anthropologist
Please excuse the very long post. This is an urgent story I want to share more quickly than I can in a news outlet.
For more than four years, I’ve been chronicling the rich, beautiful world of school mariachis on the South Texas border, immersing myself in their hometowns and following the students to the many school concerts, community performances and high-stakes competitions that form the rhythm of the school year. In November 2022, I published “A Championship Season in Mariachi Country” for the New York Times Magazine, and now I’m writing a book for Henry Holt.
Last week, this wondrous world collided with the political moment.
Three mariachi students from McAllen, Texas — siblings in sixth, ninth and twelfth grades — were detained by ICE along with their parents and now sit in immigration detention centers in Dilley and Raymondville, Texas.
The family, originally from Mexico, came to the Rio Grande Valley in May 2023 under CBP One, a Biden-era program that allowed asylum seekers to request appointments with Homeland Security from their home countries, cross a port of entry legally, and request asylum. They were fleeing violence in their home region in Mexico.
They passed a credible fear test and proceeded through the system. For the past two years, they’d been showing up to all their court dates and regular check-ins with ICE. Eventually, the parents were allowed to go without the boys so they would not miss class. They attended their latest check-in in January, and had a final hearing scheduled for their case in September 2026.
But last week, the parents were summoned to appear at the ICE offices and bring their sons with them. When the family appeared as instructed, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, two ICE agents told them they were being detained. They were placed in custody and transferred to two different detention centers.
The parents and two younger boys, Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar and Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar, ages 14 and 12, respectively, were taken to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, which houses families. But because their older son, Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, had turned 18 the month before, and there is no holding unit for adult males in Dilley, he was sent to a separate detention center, the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville.
On paper, an 18-year-old in the U.S. is considered an adult. But we know he is still a boy. He has never been away from his parents other than when he travels with the mariachi.
The family is now awaiting hearings with separate immigration judges to determine their fate. They have had an immigration attorney for their asylum process and now others may be getting involved soon.
This is a family that did everything according to the law and has no criminal history in either country.
The boys descend from longtime mariachi families in Mexico, where they had already started learning to play their instruments. While the move to this country disrupted their lives, as they learned a new language and navigated American schools, they found belonging and thrived in mariachi director Alex Treviño’s program at McAllen High School and Travis Middle School.
As members of McAllen High School’s Mariachi Oro — an award-winning group that has clinched the state championship in their division eight times — the two older boys had gotten to play at Carnegie Hall in June 2024 and on Capitol Hill last summer, where the mariachi was recognized before Congress for their record of achievement and toured the White House.
Antonio is a few months short of graduating, with plans to attend college and become a music educator. Just weeks before his detention, he performed with the Texas All-State Mariachi — his second time in the prestigious ensemble, where he was the first chair trumpet player in the state.
Caleb, the middle son, plays four instruments, the equivalent of an entire armonía section: guitar, vihuela, guitarrón and harp. He ranked first in his area on guitarrón while playing harp with Mariachi Oro. Little Joshua, a member of the beginner mariachi program, recently landed first chair in tenor vocals in the TMEA all-region middle school mariachi. His concert is scheduled for later this month.
The weekend before the brothers were detained, Mariachi Oro had earned straight Division 1’s at the UIL State Mariachi Festival and were one of only eight groups to land outstanding performer medals for each of their members. That following weekend, they were set to compete at Festiba, a contest in the Rio Grande Valley that pits some of the state’s top groups against each other.
Having lost two of their key members, and too devastated to attend, Mariachi Oro pulled out of the competition. Above all, student mariachis consider themselves a family — a chosen family.
Over and over, I have witnessed how powerful these mariachi programs are, how profoundly they transform their students from young people unsure of themselves, finding their way in life, to confident performers who have found their voice and command the stage and the audience. It is an evolution I never tire of witnessing with each new young musician I meet.
These programs teach discipline, artistry, and pride in cultural heritage, but they also teach something deeper: that these young musicians belong on American stages. The U.S. school mariachi story is a uniquely American story.
I have not been able to interview the mariachi director or anyone in the school district. After Charlie Kirk’s assassination last September, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and TEA Commissioner Mike Morath initiated investigations into teachers who posted on social media, with Abbott supporting the suspension of teaching certificates for those whose comments were deemed inappropriate. This move seems to have had a broader chilling effect, and some districts are monitoring for any activity that could be deemed critical of President Trump’s administration.
Thank you for reading. I’ve made this post public and shareable while I produce something more detailed for a media outlet. All photos here were taken from Mariachi Oro and McAllen ISD social media.
Please be sensitive to the subject and the young people involved and keep any comments respectful.
UPDATE: Several people have asked how they can support the family. A GoFundMe has been organized by Ezra Cavazos, Antonio’s girlfriend, and Denise Robles, the boys’ cousin, to help cover legal fees and other expenses while the family is in detention.
I am not involved in organizing the fundraiser, but sharing the link here for those who have asked: https://bit.ly/4rQCTIW.
