Monica De La Cruz Secures Release of Teenage Mariachi Musician from Immigration Detention

Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz (R-TX) is crediting a coordinated effort between her office and federal officials for the release of a teenage mariachi musician who had been held in an immigration detention facility, separated from his family.

Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, a high school mariachi champion, was freed Monday after congressional pressure mounted on behalf of the family. He had been housed with adults at a Raymondville detention facility while his parents and brothers were held approximately 230 miles away at a family detention center in Dilley.

Rep. De la Cruz announced the news, acknowledging collaboration with White House officials, incoming Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and the office of Border Czar Tom Homan.

"Today, we delivered a win: the release of Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar," she wrote.

The congresswoman tied the outcome to her broader mission representing the Rio Grande Valley. "South Texans deserve a relentless voice in Washington fighting for them," she said. "I will always put our community first and secure wins for all of us."

Family's Story

The Gámez-Cuéllar family: father Luis, 40, mother Emma, 38, and brothers Caleb and Joshua, 12,  had approached a Brownsville port of entry back in May 2023 to request asylum.

The household relies heavily on income from musical performances by the father, Antonio, and his brother Caleb.

A DHS spokesperson said the parents were taken into custody on February 25 and that their children accompanied them at the time of arrest. The agency also noted the family had previously crossed into the United States without authorization near Brownsville and was permitted to remain in the country during the Biden administration.

Despite Antonio's release, the family's broader immigration situation remains unresolved, leaving their long-term future in the country uncertain.

Nonetheless, De La Cruz is grateful for the step forward, commenting, “Because we all came together, we were able to get the best result possible and reunite Antonio and his family.”