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Mariachi musician detained by ICE after traffic stop, performs national anthem in custody

Jul 4, 2026 · San Antonio, TX, Mexico

Mariachi musician detained by ICE after traffic stop, performs national anthem in custody

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

Jul 6, 2026Castro had scheduled immigration hearing
Jul 4, 2026Castro performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner' while in ICE custody
Jun 25, 2026Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro detained by ICE at traffic stop in China Grove, Texas; remained in mariachi attire for nearly 18 hours before being allowed to change clothes

Sources

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