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ICE Begins Releasing Detained McAllen Mariachi Family, Relative Says

ICE has not confirmed the releases described by a cousin.

FILE - A federal agent wears an Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge in New York, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
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U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz accompanies Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar during his release from the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville on March 9, 2026. Gámez-Cuéllar, a member of a nationally recognized mariachi band, and his family were detained by ICE last month.
Democratic Congressional candidate Bobby Pulido, center, sang his hit song "Desvelado" with his father Roberto Pulido, right, at a "barn hall" campaign event in Gonzales, Texas.

Overview

  • The parents and two younger sons are being freed from the Dilley family detention center, according to cousin Denise Robles, who says she will pick them up as their immigration sponsor.
  • An attorney told relatives that 18-year-old Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar could be released later Monday from the El Valle facility in Raymondville.
  • U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Monica De La Cruz engaged with authorities on the case, with Castro visiting the Dilley center Monday and De La Cruz saying she was traveling to meet with Antonio.
  • The family was detained Feb. 25 after a routine ICE check-in in Edinburg; Antonio was separated because he is 18, with the parents and younger boys held in Dilley while he was held in Raymondville.
  • A DHS spokesperson said the family entered the U.S. without authorization in 2023, explained the different placements, and stated detainees can choose departure with assistance through the CBP Home app.