**The US State Department's decision follows the band's display of an image of drug kingpin El Mencho while performing songs that celebrate his notoriety.**
**Mexican Band Los Alegres del Barranco Faces Visa Revocation Over Controversial Concert Performance**
**Mexican Band Los Alegres del Barranco Faces Visa Revocation Over Controversial Concert Performance**
**Members of the band are penalized for glorifying a notorious drug cartel leader during a concert in Mexico.**
The US State Department has taken action against the members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco, revoking their US visas due to their portrayal of a prominent drug kingpin during a recent concert. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau indicated that the band had projected an image of Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, commonly known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during their performance in Zapopan, Mexico.
The CJNG is recognized as one of the most dangerous transnational drug trafficking organizations, and it was recently labeled a "foreign terrorist organization" by the Trump administration, which aims to eradicate such groups. In his comments on social media, Landau emphasized the importance of preventing any glorification of criminals and reiterated the administration's commitment to controlling foreign access to the U.S.
Originally scheduled for a series of concerts across various U.S. states, including Oklahoma, Texas, and California, the band found themselves facing criticism from both U.S. and Mexican authorities. The public display of El Mencho’s image was made while they performed songs that romanticize his life, characterizing him as “a man of war who loves his family," in reference to the CJNG.
Narcocorridos—musical narratives celebrating drug lords—are a facet of Mexican culture that has garnered popularity, particularly in regions with significant Mexican-American populations. Bands within the norteño genre often receive significant income from performances at private events hosted by individuals with cartel affiliations.
Los Alegres del Barranco has a history of creating narcocorridos, including a song highlighting Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who was once listed as one of the wealthiest high-profile criminals. This practice of glorifying cartel figures has drawn backlash, especially in light of increased cartel-related violence and societal repercussions.
The timing of the concert coincides with unsettling revelations regarding a ranch linked to the CJNG, which authorities have described as a "training and extermination camp". Reports from relatives investigating disappearances uncovered disturbing evidence that suggests the brutal tactics employed by the cartel.
Criticism of the band's actions also came from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who expressed her disapproval during a news conference and called for an investigation. Meanwhile, the band's singer appeared to welcome the publicity, thanking fans for their support in a separate video.
As the complexities surrounding cartel culture continue to evolve, the fate of Los Alegres del Barranco serves as a stark reminder of the intricate ties between music, crime, and societal perceptions in both Mexico and the United States.
