Mariachi musician detained by ICE after traffic stop, performs national anthem in custody
Jul 6, 2026·Location: San Antonio, TX
Country of origin: Mexico

Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro, a 20-year-old mariachi musician, was arrested by ICE on June 25, 2026, at a traffic stop in China Grove, Texas, while returning from a musical performance in his mariachi outfit. Castro arrived in the U.S. at age 4 on a B-2 visa fleeing violence in Mexico; ICE claims he entered illegally, though his wife states the visa expired in 2020. He was detained at a South Texas ICE facility where he remained in his mariachi attire for nearly 18 hours before being allowed to change clothes. ICE agents allegedly mocked and discriminated against him because of his traditional mariachi clothing. While in custody on July 4, Castro performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' His wife, Marisol Pantosi, is a U.S. citizen and filed his green card application shortly before his detention. State and federal lawmakers, including State Rep. Barbara Garvin Hawkins and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, have publicly called for his release, and mariachi artists nationwide have rallied to demand his freedom.
Timeline
Sources
- “Se estaban burlando de mí”, hispano detenido por ICE denuncia discriminación por ir vestido de mariachi
Univision·Jun 30, 2026·archived copy
- Mariachi star detained by ICE performs ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ for Fourth of July
independent.co.uk·Jul 4, 2026·archived copy
- Mariachi band star detained by ICE performs ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ for the Fourth of July
elrisala.com·Jul 4, 2026·archived copy
ca.news.yahoo.com·Jul 4, 2026·archived copy
- Mariachi who sang National Anthem from ICE detention reunites with family
foxsanantonio.com·Jul 11, 2026·archived copy
- MSN
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