They went from being cheered in the House of Representatives to living a nightmare in an ICE cell in Texas. After 14 days of a detention that outraged the Hispanic community in the U.S., the Mexican mariachis released by ICE, Antonio and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar, have finally left the Dilley facility.
Pressure from congressmen and the weight of their artistic trajectory were key to the Potosí family regaining their freedom on Monday.
Mexican Mariachis Released by ICE: The End of the Crisis in Texas
The Gámez-Cuéllar family has been released from Dilley! We just picked them up. pic.twitter.com/GFTBNvsM1G
– Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) March 9, 2026
Antonio, 18, and Caleb, just 14, are not just any two young men.
Since their arrival in the United States in 2023, they have become cultural ambassadors of Mexico.
Their discipline and virtuosity with the charro costume led them to be officially recognized in the House of Representatives last year, an honor that few musicians of their age can achieve.
However, neither the awards nor their status as outstanding students prevented them from being arrested in late February along with their parents and younger brother.
The family was immediately moved to the Dilley Residential Center, a facility located outside of San Antonio that has been in the eye of the storm for years.
From award-winning musicians to immigration arrests
The Gamez-Cuéllar family is released and democratic lawmakers greet them pic.twitter.com/3F5zCrHHDc
– Annie Karni (@anniekarni) March 9, 2026
The Gámez-Cuéllar case reignited criticism of the Dilley center.
Human rights organizations have consistently denounced that this place does not have adequate conditions to house families, citing lack of hygiene, poor food and a worrying lack of access to basic medical services.
Pressure for his release quickly escalated to Washington.
Congressman Joaquín Castro raised his voice to denounce that it was an injustice to keep locked up young people who represented the best of cultural integration.
“We are grateful for the release of the Gámez-Cuéllar family and we will not rest until they release everyone,” Joaquín Castro stated in his X account, celebrating that common sense prevailed.
The future of the family
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. #FreeOurChildren pic.twitter.com/oWvrBglWYj
– Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) March 8, 2026
Although the release is a triumph, the family’s legal journey is not yet over.
For now, they will return to their community where their friends and teachers are waiting for them to resume their studies.
For the Mexican community in Texas, this case is a reminder of the vulnerability faced even by those who, through art and effort, try to build a better future.
Filed under: Mexican mariachis released by ICE
