safety
Mariachi no longer in ICE custody after calls for his release, Rep. Castro says
By Christian Riley Dutcher, Zaria Oates at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 11, 2026
· 2 min read
The man who sang the national anthem on July 4 at a South Texas immigrant detention facility has been released, according to U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio .Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro, 20, was reunited with his wife, Marisol Pantoj, after being arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs En...
Key takeaway Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro, 20, was reunited with his wife, Marisol Pantoj, after being arrested by U.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The release of Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro from ICE custody brings attention to the complex and often frustrating process of obtaining a green card in the San Antonio area. Ibarra Castro's case, in which his B-2 visa expired and he was working to obtain a green card, is not unique in a city with a large immigrant population. The lengthy and overwhelming process, as described by his wife, Marisol Pantoj, can leave individuals in limbo, unsure of their status and vulnerable to detention. Rep. Castro's advocacy for Ibarra Castro's release highlights the need for streamlined and efficient immigration processes that allow individuals to contribute to their communities without fear of detention or deportation. As the San Antonio community celebrates Ibarra Castro's release, it also underscores the need for continued support and resources for immigrants navigating the complex immigration system in Bexar County.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The man who sang the national anthem on July 4 at a South Texas immigrant detention facility has been released, according to U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio.Hebert Kaleth Ibarra Castro, 20, was reunited with his wife, Marisol Pantoj, after being arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs En...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Christian Riley Dutcher, Zaria Oates at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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