HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Mariachi brothers shackled and separated from family, released after bipartisan pressure

Mar 13, 2026 · Dilley, TX, Mexico

Mariachi brothers shackled and separated from family, released after bipartisan pressure

The Gámez-Cuéllar family—parents Luis Antonio Gámez Martínez and Emma Guadalupe Cuéllar López, and their three sons Antonio (18), Caleb (12), and Joshua (14)—were detained by ICE on February 25, 2026, during a routine immigration check-in in Edinburg, Texas. The family had legally entered the U.S. in May 2023 through the CBP One asylum app and were in active asylum proceedings with a final hearing scheduled for September. Antonio was separated from his family and shackled during transport to an adult detention facility in Raymondville, while his younger brothers and parents were held at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley. Two of the brothers are award-winning mariachi musicians with McAllen High School's Mariachi Oro band, which has performed at the White House and Carnegie Hall and won eight state championships. After approximately 13 days in detention, bipartisan congressional pressure from lawmakers including Rep. Monica De La Cruz and Rep. Joaquin Castro, combined with a successful parole request by their attorneys, resulted in the family's release on February 28, 2026. The parents were required to wear ankle monitors and restrict travel to 75 miles from their home.

Timeline

Sep 2026Final asylum hearing scheduled
Feb 28, 2026Family released from detention after bipartisan congressional pressure and successful parole request; parents ordered to wear ankle monitors and restrict travel to 75 miles from home
Feb 25, 2026Family detained by ICE during routine immigration check-in in Edinburg, Texas; Antonio separated and shackled; other family members held at South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley
May 2023Gámez-Cuéllar family legally entered the U.S. through CBP One asylum app

Sources

More incidents in Texas