The Mexica dancers in Carroll Lane Park spun through the heat for more than two hours on Sept. 13, praying for a mentor who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Adalberto Zanes, who has lived in the U.S. for 32 years, was detained about a month ago, his friends and supporters shared during the event.
"Adalberto has been in a detention center for over a month now," friend Melissa Zamora said. "He was taken into ICE custody on his way to work, blocked in by ICE vehicles. He was pulled out of his car and into the street all while he was just trying to get to work."
Zanes founded the Kalpulli Ehekatl Papalotizin, which means Venerable Butterfly of the Wind, in Corpus Christi in 2011. The group has performed at events in Corpus Christi.
On Sept. 13, the group was joined by dancers from across Texas in a series of danzas, which were prayers for Zanes, who mentored many.
Zanes faces a court hearing Sept. 14 at Port Isabel Detention Center. Attendees at the Sept. 13 event shared their love and respect for Zanes, with some writing letters of support.
"Adalberto, like so many others, are a part of our communities, are a part of our society, are a part of this land and our way of life," Zamora said.
Isabel Araiza, who is a co-founder of For the Greater Good, and Sylvia Campos, a member of the Corpus Christi City Council, both attended the event.
"Adalberto is more than a teacher," Araiza said, reading a statement. "He is a mentor, a brother, a friend, padrino, a temachtiani who has dedicated his life to passing cultural knowledge to the next generation."
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Dancers call for release of leader Adalberto Zanes from ICE custody
