No longer detained by ICE, the Mariachi Brothers will perform with Kacey Musgraves in Texas

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Just two months after being held by ICE in South Texas, the Mariachi Brothers will now be kicking off a series of concerts in Texas for country singer Kacey Musgraves.

Kacey Musgraves unexpectedly announced a collaboration with the Gámez-Cuéllar brothers – Antonio (18), Caleb (15), and Joshua (12) – on Instagram Tuesday morning. The brothers will be the opening act for Musgraves’ concerts at the historic Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas, on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

The brothers played in Mariachi Oro, a highly-regarded mariachi band from McAllen High School. It’s one of the best youth mariachi groups in the nation, and they’ve performed at famous places like Carnegie Hall in New York and the U.S. Capitol.

Conditions in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers are deeply troubling. Recently, another person died while in ICE custody in Southern California, and public figures are demanding the shutdown of a detention center in South Texas.

The Gámez-Cuéllar family gained public attention when they were all taken into custody by ICE on February 25th during a regular immigration appointment. The oldest son was sent to a detention center in Raymondville, Texas, and the rest of the family was held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, which is known for its harsh conditions.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, only the parents, Emma Guadalupe Cuéllar Lopez and Luis Antonio Gámez Martinez, were intended to be detained. Officials stated the family “chose” to bring their children with them into detention. DHS also reported the family entered the U.S. illegally near Brownsville, Texas, in 2023.

The family’s father told the New York Times that the Department of Homeland Security’s statement was incorrect, explaining that they came to the country legally by requesting asylum.

California

Supporters of immigrant rights report that the agency started moving detainees to the McFarland facility last week.

Following the family’s detention, Congressman Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from San Antonio, shared a video on Instagram criticizing the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a social media video, Julián Castro pointed out that Donald Trump often talks about targeting criminals, but these children were considered safe enough to visit the White House. Castro then highlighted the contrast, stating that despite this, the Trump administration is holding them in prison.

The family’s situation also drew criticism from Democrats, including Texas Republican Representative Monica De La Cruz, who strongly disapproved.

California

A legal tactic previously used in extreme cases – like for those facing the death penalty or accused of terrorism – is now the main way immigrants held in detention are trying to gain their release. This has led to a surge of requests for freedom being filed in California’s federal courts.

Representative De La Cruz expressed deep sadness over the Gámez-Cuéllar family’s situation. She emphasized that South Texans believe it’s possible to have a secure border while also treating people humanely, stating these goals aren’t mutually exclusive. She has consistently called for border enforcement to focus on actual threats to communities, rather than on hardworking, law-abiding individuals who are following the legal immigration process.

After a lot of public attention and campaigning, the entire family was released from detention on March 9th.

After the brothers were released, Kacey Musgraves – who has long admired Mexican music – shared an article about their freedom and playfully invited them to join her on tour, writing: “Great so come on the road with me.”

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2026-04-29 03:01