Freedom's Anthem: The Story of Mariachi Musician Hebert Castro's Fourth of July Performance in Detention
A mariachi musician detained by federal immigration authorities marked the Fourth of July by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” inside a Texas detention center where he is currently held. Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro, a 20-year-old who came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of four, was arrested in San Antonio while still in his mariachi outfit after performing at a party. The detention center, where Hebert Castro is being held, recorded his performance of the national anthem, which will be broadcast to other detainees in the facility.
Hebert Castro is one of many immigrants targeted by the Trump administration's efforts to arrest and deport individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years without issues. He was taunted by a worker at the detention center who asked him to sing a song in exchange for his release. Despite the mockery, mariachi performers across the country have rallied to support his release, emphasizing the irony of being asked to sing a song about freedom while being treated like animals.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Castro will remain in custody as they seek his removal from the country. However, federal courts have recently blocked the administration's policy of detaining non-threatening immigrants without a bond hearing within 90 days of their detention. The agency has encouraged all illegal immigrants to self-deport to avoid arrest and deportation.
Hebert Castro, known as “El Nino” in his mariachi group, plays the vihuela and is described as a dedicated and hardworking musician by his fellow performers. The mariachi community has shown solidarity with Hebert, with a campaign called “Play a Song for Hebert” urging musicians worldwide to demand his release. Rep. Joaquin Castro has been actively involved in advocating for the release of immigrants detained in Texas, including Hebert Castro and other families held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center.
The congressman has visited the detention center multiple times to address concerns about inadequate medical treatment for detainees, including children. He has successfully assisted in the release of several individuals, such as a five-year-old boy detained with his father and a high school student and his father. Rep. Castro's efforts have drawn bipartisan support and national attention to the plight of immigrants held in detention centers, highlighting the need for humane and sensible enforcement policies.