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From the Capitol to a Detention Center: ICE Arrests Two Texas Mariachi Oro Student Brothers
The Mariachi Oro students detention case has sparked political reactions in Texas after two high school musicians were taken into custody.
By  Alondra Rodríguez
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From the Capitol to a Detention Center: ICE Arrests Two Texas Mariachi Oro Student Brothers
Foto: Agencia ICE

Posted on03/10/26 at 12:03

  • ICE detains two students who are members of the Mariachi Oro
  • Members of Congress react
  • Community supports the family

The detention of two students from South Texas, members of the renowned Mariachi Oro, has sparked political and community reactions across the state.

Antonio Gámez‑Cuéllar and Caleb Gámez‑Cuéllar, both high school students, are currently in custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a detention facility in Dilley.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the students’ age, but also because of their artistic achievements as members of one of Texas’ most decorated student mariachi groups.

The news was confirmed by Democratic congressman Joaquín Castro, who announced plans to visit the detention center operated by the federal government.

From performing with Mariachi Oro before Congress to immigration custody

ICE detiene a dos hermanos, Mariachi Oro students face ICE detention“Antonio and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar went from performing with the Mariachi Oro vocalists before Congress to being imprisoned by ICE,” Castro wrote Sunday on the social media platform X.

The lawmaker noted that the students participated last year in a performance at the United States Capitol, organized at the invitation of his office.

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“I am doing everything in my power to make sure the boys and their family return home safely,” Castro said regarding the efforts he says he is making.

The congressman also questioned the federal government’s immigration enforcement strategy, contrasting the students’ public achievements with their current legal situation.

Reactions from both political parties

“Donald Trump said he was going to go after criminals,” Castro said, referring to Donald Trump.
“How is it possible that these two young men, who were capable of performing at the United States Capitol by invitation of their congressman, are now in a prison in Dilley, Texas?” he added.

Democratic congressman Vicente González also addressed the case, stating that the students’ family “followed the law but was still detained” by ICE agents.

From the Republican Party, congresswoman Mónica De La Cruz, whose district includes McAllen, expressed concern about the situation.

De La Cruz said she had already contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to request more information about the case.

A community rallying behind Mariachi Oro

The McAllen Independent School District said through a spokesperson that it would not comment “out of respect for the privacy of the minors and because this is not a district matter.”

Meanwhile, McAllen mayor Javier Villalobos publicly expressed support for the Gámez-Cuéllar family.

“I support the Gámez-Cuéllar family,” the mayor wrote in a post on Facebook.

Villalobos also urged federal lawmakers to find a balance between border security and legal pathways for people seeking to remain in the country.

“The alleged detention of several MISD mariachi students underscores the need for those types of pathways,” he said.

A decorated student group at the center of controversy

Mariachi Oro is considered one of the most outstanding student mariachi ensembles in Texas.

The group from McAllen High School has won eight state championships, including the most recent title last year.

The ensemble also appeared in the 2024 Netflix documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi, which followed the lives of students dedicated to this musical tradition.

The Mariachi Oro students ICE detention case has raised concern across the local community and once again placed the immigration debate at the center of public discussion in South Texas, according to El Diario NY.

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