US revokes visas of Mexican band following concert featuring cartel imagery

• Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco has been banned from entering the U.S. after displaying cartel imagery during a concert. The U.S. State Department revoked their visas on national security grounds following the backlash.
• Mexican prosecutors have launched an investigation into the band for glorifying criminal activity, an offense that could result in up to six months in prison.
• The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over “narcocorridos,” a subgenre of music that chronicles the lives of drug traffickers, with critics accusing it of glamorizing violence. In contrast, others see it as reflecting societal struggles.

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Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco has been banned from entering the U.S. after a recent concert sparked political backlash. The group is accused of promoting cartel violence during a performance in Guadalajara.

Cartel imagery onstage triggers backlash

During the show, the band displayed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes’s face, also known as “El Mencho,” on screen. He’s the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the crowd applauded the imagery. Shortly after, the U.S. State Department revoked the group’s work and tourist visas.

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State Department cites national security concerns

In a February announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio named eight cartels and transnational criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. That list includes the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known for its violent reputation across Mexico.

On social media, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said, “The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.” He confirmed the Trump administration was behind the visa cancellation.

Mexican officials launch investigation

The fallout didn’t stop at the border. According to the Associated Press, prosecutors in Mexico have opened an investigation into the band’s use of cartel imagery. The offense of glorifying criminal activity can carry a penalty of up to six months in prison.

Spotlight on ‘narcocorridos’ and censorship

Several Mexican states have also banned public performances of “narcocorridos.” The subgenre, performed by Los Alegres del Barranco, narrates stories about drug traffickers and criminal life. While critics argue it glamorizes violence, others see it as a reflection of real-world struggles.

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President Sheinbaum calls for accountability

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum previously spoke against bans on narcocorridos. She instead pushed for promoting regional music with more socially responsible themes. However, following this concert, Sheinbaum called for a full investigation into the band’s actions.

Before the visa cancellations, Los Alegres del Barranco had several U.S. shows scheduled, including performances in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Texas. Those dates were set to continue through August. While ticket listings remain on some websites, the band will not be able to perform in the U.S. as planned.

Band responds to controversy

In a statement released Wednesday, April 2, Los Alegres del Barranco wrote, “We recognize that, as artists, we have a great responsibility to our audiences, especially to the younger generations who follow our music. We deeply regret that any part of the show was perceived as offensive or inappropriate.

We reaffirm that our music is inspired by telling popular stories within Mexican music. We will take stricter measures regarding the visual and narrative content of our shows.”