The Trump administration revoked the U.S. visas of Los Alegres del Barranco after the band displayed images glorifying cartel leader “El Mencho” during a concert, sparking backlash from both sides of the border.
AT A GLANCE
- U.S. revoked visas of Mexican band members Los Alegres del Barranco over glorifying drug lord “El Mencho”
- The band showed images of the cartel boss during a performance of “El Dueño del Palenque” in Guadalajara
- Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the decision, citing national security concerns
- The cancellation derailed the band’s upcoming U.S. tour, including appearances in Austin, Texas
- Mexican officials condemned the performance and announced an investigation
U.S. Moves Swiftly Against Band’s Cartel Tribute
The U.S. State Department has officially revoked the visas of Los Alegres del Barranco, a popular Mexican norteño band, after their controversial tribute to fugitive drug kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera-Cervantes. The decision, announced by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, came after the band displayed images of El Mencho—leader of the notoriously violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)—during a concert performance in Guadalajara.
At the April 1 event at Auditorio Telmex, the band played their track “El Dueño del Palenque,” accompanied by visuals of El Mencho. The act prompted immediate criticism from both U.S. and Mexican authorities, who viewed it as a glorification of cartel violence.
Watch footage from the controversial concert.
Trump Admin Condemns Narco Glorification
Deputy Secretary Landau cited the band’s glorification of El Mencho as grounds for denying them entry to the U.S. “I’m a firm believer in freedom of expression, but that doesn’t mean that expression should be free of consequences,” he stated. In a statement reported by Townhall, Landau made it clear the administration would not welcome those “who extol criminals and terrorists.”
The action aligns with broader Trump-era policy targeting narcoculture and individuals linked to cartel propaganda. The CJNG was previously designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and El Mencho remains one of the DEA’s most wanted fugitives, with a $10 million reward for his capture.
Mexico Joins Chorus of Criticism
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered an investigation into the concert, affirming her administration’s zero-tolerance policy for the glorification of organized crime. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus also condemned the performance and said local officials would consider holding artists and promoters accountable in similar incidents going forward.
The backlash came at a particularly sensitive time, following the recent discovery of a suspected CJNG training camp outside Guadalajara and reports of cartel-related violence in Teuchitlán.
U.S. Tour Canceled Amid Fallout
The visa revocations derailed the band’s U.S. tour, which had included high-profile appearances such as the Bésame Mucho festival in Austin. The venue where the concert occurred, Auditorio Telmex, issued a statement distancing itself from the band’s actions, saying it did not condone any content that glorifies crime.
Band members responded on social media. Pável Moreno thanked fans for their support, while Pavel Morales dismissed the controversy, claiming most fans “support us” and labeling critics “confused.” The group has not formally apologized or explained their intent behind the imagery.
Narco Music’s Complicated Legacy
The incident reignites debate over the role of narcocorridos—songs that romanticize drug traffickers—in shaping public perceptions of cartel figures. The lyrics of “El Dueño del Palenque” portray El Mencho as a powerful and loyal family man, a narrative law enforcement believes contributes to cartel recruitment and desensitizes audiences to violent crime.
According to Billboard, the DEA recently wrapped a six-month investigation into CJNG operations, underscoring the seriousness of the cartel threat.
By revoking the band’s visas, U.S. authorities are sending a clear message: praise for drug lords—whether lyrical or visual—won’t be tolerated within American borders.
