The implications of this decision reflect deep cultural ties to the drug trade in both countries.
**US Revokes Visas for Mexican Band Over Drug Kingpin Tribute**
**US Revokes Visas for Mexican Band Over Drug Kingpin Tribute**
The State Department's action against Los Alegres del Barranco underscores tensions surrounding narcocorridos.
In a controversial move, the US State Department has rescinded visas held by members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco due to allegations of glorifying a drug kingpin. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced that the band showcased an image of Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, commonly known as El Mencho, during a concert in Zapopan, Mexico. El Mencho leads the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has garnered notoriety as one of the world's most dangerous drug trafficking organizations.
Landau emphasized the seriousness of the ramifications for foreign nationals who extol criminal figures. In a post on social media platform X, he stated, "The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists," reflecting the Trump administration's policy to categorize eight criminal groups including the CJNG as "foreign terrorist organizations."
The incident in question occurred during a performance on Saturday when the band projected the image of El Mencho while singing a song that praises him as “a man of war who loves his family,” subtly referencing the powerful cartels in their lyrics. Narcocorridos, which are songs that honor drug cartel leaders, are commonplace in the Mexican music scene. Many norteña musicians, known for their engaging lyrics and upbeat rhythms, are often commissioned by cartel members to create music that immortalizes their figures.
The praise for El Mencho is not isolated, as Los Alegres del Barranco has a history of writing narcocorridos. An earlier track entitled "The 701" focuses on Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, depicting his ascent on Forbes magazine's list of the wealthiest individuals before his imprisonment.
The concert coincided with the discovery of a CJNG training and extermination site, leading to public outcry and investigation demands. Following the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her disapproval, stating that such tributes should not occur. Meanwhile, the band's singer, who acknowledged the president’s comments during a TikTok video, expressed gratitude for the support received from fans.
The dialogue surrounding narcocorridos continues to resonate, prompting discussions on cultural representations of crime, music, and legal consequences within both Mexico and the United States.
Landau emphasized the seriousness of the ramifications for foreign nationals who extol criminal figures. In a post on social media platform X, he stated, "The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists," reflecting the Trump administration's policy to categorize eight criminal groups including the CJNG as "foreign terrorist organizations."
The incident in question occurred during a performance on Saturday when the band projected the image of El Mencho while singing a song that praises him as “a man of war who loves his family,” subtly referencing the powerful cartels in their lyrics. Narcocorridos, which are songs that honor drug cartel leaders, are commonplace in the Mexican music scene. Many norteña musicians, known for their engaging lyrics and upbeat rhythms, are often commissioned by cartel members to create music that immortalizes their figures.
The praise for El Mencho is not isolated, as Los Alegres del Barranco has a history of writing narcocorridos. An earlier track entitled "The 701" focuses on Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, depicting his ascent on Forbes magazine's list of the wealthiest individuals before his imprisonment.
The concert coincided with the discovery of a CJNG training and extermination site, leading to public outcry and investigation demands. Following the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her disapproval, stating that such tributes should not occur. Meanwhile, the band's singer, who acknowledged the president’s comments during a TikTok video, expressed gratitude for the support received from fans.
The dialogue surrounding narcocorridos continues to resonate, prompting discussions on cultural representations of crime, music, and legal consequences within both Mexico and the United States.
