We are organizing this fundraiser to support three brothers from McAllen, Texas — Antonio (18), Caleb (14), and Joshua (12) Gámez-Cuéllar — and their family during an incredibly difficult and uncertain time.
The three brothers are dedicated student mariachi musicians whose lives revolve around school, family, and music. Like many young students in South Texas, they have spent countless hours practicing, performing, and representing their school and community through their mariachi program.
Last week, their lives changed suddenly.
Antonio, Caleb, Joshua, and their parents were detained by ICE and are now being held in immigration detention centers in South Texas. Caleb and Joshua are being held with their parents at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley.
Because Antonio had recently turned 18, he was separated from his family and transferred to the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville.
The family had been in the middle of an asylum process and had been doing everything the system asked of them — attending their immigration court hearings and regular check-ins with ICE for more than two years.
Antonio is just a few months away from graduating high school and dreams of attending college to become a mariachi educator. Just weeks before his detention, he performed with the Texas All-State Mariachi for the second time, where he was the first-chair trumpet player in the entire state.
Caleb, the middle brother, plays four instruments — guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, and harp. He ranked first in his area on guitarrón while also playing harp with Mariachi Oro.
Joshua, the youngest, recently earned first chair tenor vocals in the TMEA all-region middle school mariachi and had been preparing for a concert later this month.
Through their school mariachi programs, these brothers found belonging, discipline, pride in their culture, and a community that supports and loves them.
This fundraiser is being organized by Ezra Cavazos, Antonio’s girlfriend, and Denise Robles, the boys’ cousin, to help support the family during this crisis.
Funds raised will help cover:
• Immigration legal fees
• Commissary funds for the family while they are in detention
• Travel costs so loved ones can visit them at the Dilley detention center
• Overdue rent and bills, groceries, and basic living expenses if they are released
• Support to help the family get back on their feet, whether in the United States or, if necessary, in Mexico
This family has worked hard and followed the legal process. Right now they need the support of their community.
If you are able, please consider donating and sharing this campaign. Your support can help this family navigate an incredibly difficult moment and give these three talented young musicians the chance to continue pursuing their dreams.
Thank you for standing with them.