ICE detention of South Texas Mariachi band teens sparks bipartisan criticism - AP News
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ICE detained South Texas high school mariachi band members, drawing bipartisan criticism over immigration enforcement tactics.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained several teenage members of a South Texas high school mariachi band, drawing bipartisan criticism from lawmakers. The students, reportedly apprehended during an immigration sweep, were preparing for a regional competition when taken into custody. Critics, including both Republican and Democratic representatives, have questioned the agency's tactics and the impact on the community. The detentions highlight ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies under the current administration and could prompt further legislative scrutiny or policy review.
What's Being Done
Lawmakers are criticizing ICE's tactics, potentially prompting legislative scrutiny or policy review of immigration enforcement.
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Two high school mariachi musicians were released Monday with their family from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Texas after pressure from a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Officials released Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, who was detained and held at the El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville, Texas. His brother and fellow mariachi player,…
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<p>Two brothers, ages 14 and 18, were part of a high school mariachi group honored by Congress last year </p><p>Texas lawmakers from both parties have criticized immigration authorities for detaining two teenage mariachi musicians who were honored by Congress last year.</p><p>The case has drawn national attention because the brothers, Antonio Yesayahu Gámez-Cuéllar, 18, and Caleb Gámez-Cuéllar, 14, travelled to Washington DC last summer after their high school’s mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Ono, won a state mariachi competition. Their congresswoman, Monica De La Cruz, invited them to the House floor, where she <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/t7G89s4n8_E?t=1552s">celebrated</a> their accomplishment.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/09/texas-lawmakers-ice-detaining-teen-mariachi-musicians">Continue reading...</a>
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Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas led a delegation of Democrats to a South Texas detention center to press for the release of the brothers and their family.
Civil RightsOutrage grows after ICE detains mariachi brothers in South Texas - MySA
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