A McAllen family, including three students involved in the local mariachi program, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February, leading to their separation and sparking bipartisan concern across the Rio Grande Valley.

Family Detained Amid Asylum Process

Siblings Antonio, 18, Caleb, 14, and Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar, 12, along with their parents Emma Guadalupe Cuéllar Lopez and Luis Antonio Gámez Martinez were detained by ICE on Feb. 25, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Antonio’s girlfriend, Ezra Cavazos, and his cousin, Denise Robles.

The family had been handling the asylum process for over two years, attending regular court hearings and check-ins with ICE. Cavazos and Robles said the family was following the legal process when they were suddenly detained and separated, with Antonio placed at the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville and the younger brothers and parents at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley.

The separation, they said, was likely due to Antonio turning 18, which may have changed his immigration status and custody arrangements. The family had been actively participating in the legal system, with their parents allowed to attend school without the boys to avoid missed classes.

Community Support and Legal Challenges

The GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $5,500, aims to cover the family’s legal fees, commissary funds, travel costs for visits, and living expenses if they are released. Cavazos and Robles emphasized the family’s commitment to the legal process and their need for community support.

McAllen ISD declined to comment on the situation, stating it is not a district matter and out of respect for the family’s privacy. However, the family’s involvement in the Mariachi Oro program at McAllen High, which has won eight state championships, has drawn attention from local officials and the community.

Bipartisan Calls for Action

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-McAllen), a long-time supporter of strict immigration policies, expressed heartbreak over the family’s situation, calling for a balance between border security and human dignity. She criticized the administration for targeting law-abiding citizens and has requested a visit to the Raymondville detention facility.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Brownsville) joined the call, condemning the administration for tearing apart a family that followed legal procedures. He urged South Texas lawmakers to speak out against what he called “senseless cruelty.”

Cecilia Ballí, a journalist with over two decades of experience, highlighted the cultural significance of the family’s involvement in the mariachi program. She noted that these programs instill discipline, artistry, and pride in cultural heritage, while also providing a sense of belonging on American stages.

Legal Background and Next Steps

The family fled violence in Mexico and used the CBP One app to request asylum in May 2023. They passed a credible fear test and attended all court dates and check-ins over the past two years. Their final hearing was scheduled for September 2026, but the family was summoned to ICE offices in February without prior notice.

According to Ballí, the family was instructed to bring their sons to the appointment, and upon arrival, they were informed of their detention and separated. ICE has not yet responded to requests for comment from local media.

Legal experts are monitoring the case, with De La Cruz’s office working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Border Patrol, and community leaders to explore legal options for the family.

As the situation unfolds, the family’s case has become a focal point for discussions on immigration policy, the separation of families, and the role of cultural programs in supporting immigrant communities. With the final hearing set for nearly two years from now, the family’s future remains uncertain, and their story has become a symbol of the broader challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S.