Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau condemned the band's actions, stating that the U.S. is serious about preventing any appreciation for criminals and terrorists.
**US Revokes Visas for Mexican Band Over Drug Kingpin Tribute**
**US Revokes Visas for Mexican Band Over Drug Kingpin Tribute**
The U.S. State Department has taken action against the band Los Alegres del Barranco after they glorified a notorious drug lord during a concert in Mexico.
The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of the Mexican music group Los Alegres del Barranco following a concert incident where they projected the image of notorious drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, better known as El Mencho. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized the band for glorifying the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), regarded as one of the most dangerous drug trafficking organizations globally.
Landau highlighted that the U.S. government had recently classified eight criminal entities, including the CJNG, as "foreign terrorist organizations," aiming to undermine their influence and operations. He emphasized the importance of restricting access to the U.S. for individuals who celebrate criminal acts and contribute to violence.
The incident occurred during a performance in Zapopan, Mexico, where the band displayed El Mencho’s image while performing a song that lauded his familial devotion and valor, indirectly referencing the CJNG. Narcocorridos, a musical genre that celebrates drug cartel figures, have a long-standing tradition in Mexico, with bands frequently performing for parties hosted by cartel members.
Los Alegres del Barranco have previous tracks in their catalogue that also pay homage to infamous cartel leaders. One notable example is their song about Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, which showcases his rise to the elite circles of wealth.
This particular concert unfolded shortly after troubling discoveries related to the CJNG, including a ranch believed to be used for training and execution of cartel members. The grisly findings, including bone fragments and discarded personal items, underscored the cartel's severe implications for violence and crime in Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced her disapproval of the band's actions. During a news briefing, she stated that such displays “shouldn't happen” and mandated an inquiry into the matter. The singer of Los Alegres del Barranco expressed excitement over the attention, noting the support from fans in a TikTok video, reflecting the complex relationship between drug culture and music in Mexico.
Landau highlighted that the U.S. government had recently classified eight criminal entities, including the CJNG, as "foreign terrorist organizations," aiming to undermine their influence and operations. He emphasized the importance of restricting access to the U.S. for individuals who celebrate criminal acts and contribute to violence.
The incident occurred during a performance in Zapopan, Mexico, where the band displayed El Mencho’s image while performing a song that lauded his familial devotion and valor, indirectly referencing the CJNG. Narcocorridos, a musical genre that celebrates drug cartel figures, have a long-standing tradition in Mexico, with bands frequently performing for parties hosted by cartel members.
Los Alegres del Barranco have previous tracks in their catalogue that also pay homage to infamous cartel leaders. One notable example is their song about Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, which showcases his rise to the elite circles of wealth.
This particular concert unfolded shortly after troubling discoveries related to the CJNG, including a ranch believed to be used for training and execution of cartel members. The grisly findings, including bone fragments and discarded personal items, underscored the cartel's severe implications for violence and crime in Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced her disapproval of the band's actions. During a news briefing, she stated that such displays “shouldn't happen” and mandated an inquiry into the matter. The singer of Los Alegres del Barranco expressed excitement over the attention, noting the support from fans in a TikTok video, reflecting the complex relationship between drug culture and music in Mexico.
