The US State Department has revoked the visas of Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco for glorifying drug kingpin El Mencho at a concert. This comes as part of a broader crackdown on narcocorridos that celebrate cartel leaders and their exploits.
US Pulls Visas of Mexican Band Over Drug Kingpin Tribute
US Pulls Visas of Mexican Band Over Drug Kingpin Tribute
Los Alegres del Barranco face visa revocation after glorifying El Mencho during concert.
In a controversial move, the US State Department has revoked the visas of members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco for "glorifying a drug kingpin." The decision follows an incident at a recent concert in Zapopan, Mexico, where the band projected an image of notorious cartel leader El Mencho, real name Nemesio Oseguera Ramos.
El Mencho heads the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a gang notorious for its violent transnational drug operations. In a statement, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the administration’s seriousness in regulating foreign individuals expressing admiration for criminals and terrorists. He remarked, "the last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists."
Scheduled to perform in various US states including Oklahoma, Texas and California, the band's support of narcocorridos, songs that glorify drug cartel leaders, has drawn significant attention. During their concert, they sang lyrics that praised El Mencho as "a man of war who loves his family," while subtly referencing the CJNG.
Narcocorridos are increasingly integrated into Mexican music culture, especially within the norteño genre characterized by upbeat rhythms featuring the accordion. Unfortunately, many of these bands often find financial success through private events that are linked to drug traffickers, as they navigate the complex and dangerous environment of Mexico's criminal underworld.
The concert’s timing was particularly ironic, as it occurred shortly after authorities uncovered a ranch believed to be a "training and extermination camp" for the CJNG, where countless victims met tragic fates. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed disapproval of the band’s actions, asserting it was inappropriate and prompted an investigation.
In a response to the political backlash, the band’s singer conveyed excitement at receiving attention from the president, taking to TikTok to express gratitude for their supporters. This incident reflects the ongoing struggle against drug culture in entertainment and highlights the delicate balance musicians navigate in capturing audience attention while facing scrutiny from both government and society.
El Mencho heads the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a gang notorious for its violent transnational drug operations. In a statement, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the administration’s seriousness in regulating foreign individuals expressing admiration for criminals and terrorists. He remarked, "the last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists."
Scheduled to perform in various US states including Oklahoma, Texas and California, the band's support of narcocorridos, songs that glorify drug cartel leaders, has drawn significant attention. During their concert, they sang lyrics that praised El Mencho as "a man of war who loves his family," while subtly referencing the CJNG.
Narcocorridos are increasingly integrated into Mexican music culture, especially within the norteño genre characterized by upbeat rhythms featuring the accordion. Unfortunately, many of these bands often find financial success through private events that are linked to drug traffickers, as they navigate the complex and dangerous environment of Mexico's criminal underworld.
The concert’s timing was particularly ironic, as it occurred shortly after authorities uncovered a ranch believed to be a "training and extermination camp" for the CJNG, where countless victims met tragic fates. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed disapproval of the band’s actions, asserting it was inappropriate and prompted an investigation.
In a response to the political backlash, the band’s singer conveyed excitement at receiving attention from the president, taking to TikTok to express gratitude for their supporters. This incident reflects the ongoing struggle against drug culture in entertainment and highlights the delicate balance musicians navigate in capturing audience attention while facing scrutiny from both government and society.
