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US Revokes Visas of Mexican Musicians After Cartel Image Display
MEXICO CITY – The United States State Department has cancelled the visas of a Mexican musical group after they projected the image of a notorious drug cartel kingpin onto a screen during a performance. The incident occurred in Jalisco state, western Mexico, prompting a swift reaction from U.S. authorities.
Visa Cancellations Confirmed
Christopher Landau, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the Trump administration and current Deputy Secretary of State, announced the visa revocations on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening. Landau confirmed that work and tourism visas for members of Los Alegres del Barranco, the band involved, had been cancelled.
Concert Sparks Investigations and National Debate
The visa revocations follow considerable public outcry in Mexico over the contentious concert. Prosecutors in two Mexican states have initiated inquiries into the image projection. This incident has also ignited a broader national discussion concerning the rise of a music genre that is facing criticism for glorifying drug cartels.
US Official Defends Visa Revocation
“I strongly believe in freedom of speech, but that right does not absolve individuals from the repercussions of their expressions,” Landau stated on X. He further commented, “The last thing we need is to welcome those who praise criminals and terrorists.”
Controversy Surrounds Concert Projection
The controversy erupted over the weekend when the image of Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was displayed as a backdrop during the band’s performance. The projection, featuring Oseguera’s face superimposed over flames, led to accusations being exchanged between the band, event organizers, and the venue.
Cartel Leader’s Background and Cartel Activities
Oseguera heads the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a powerful criminal organization linked to a ranch in Jalisco. Authorities allege this ranch was utilized for training cartel recruits and potentially for disposing of bodies. Search operations at the ranch uncovered human bone fragments, along with piles of clothing and footwear.
Jalisco Cartel Designated Terrorist Organization
The Jalisco cartel is among several criminal syndicates in Mexico that were officially designated as foreign terrorist organizations during the previous Trump administration.
Legal Repercussions and Public Reaction in Mexico
While concert attendees reportedly applauded the image of the cartel leader, authorities in Jalisco swiftly responded. State prosecutors announced they were summoning the band for questioning as part of an investigation into potential promotion of violence, a crime punishable by up to six months imprisonment. Michoacan state also announced an investigation into Los Alegres del Barranco concerning the projection of similar images at a concert in Uruapan.
Government Officials Condemn Glorification of Violence
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus declared that the state would prohibit musical performances that celebrate violence. Lemus specified that those who violate the ban would be subject to “monetary and criminal penalties.”
“We understand that public anger is insufficient,” Lemus stated, emphasizing the need for concrete action. “Of course, it is feasible to ban this type of music.”
Cancelled Performances and Band’s Response
Subsequently, several upcoming performances by the band have been cancelled. One municipal government cited a lack of “necessary municipal permits” as the reason for cancelling a scheduled show.
Pavel Moreno, the band’s accordionist and backing vocalist, has not directly addressed inquiries from fans regarding the visa revocations. He acknowledged fans’ support and stated, “everything is fine.”
Uncertainty Surrounds US Performance
The band was scheduled to perform in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 4th. Although the event has not been officially cancelled, ticket sales websites currently indicate “No tickets available for now on our site” for that date, casting doubt over whether the performance will proceed.
Wider Debate on “Narco Corridos” Music Genre
This dispute coincides with a broader cultural conversation in Mexico surrounding the rise of Mexican regional music on a global scale. Artists like Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida, and Natanael Cano are at the forefront of this resurgence, blending traditional ballads with elements of trap music. In 2023, Peso Pluma surpassed Taylor Swift as the most streamed artist on YouTube.
Criticism and Defense of Cartel-Themed Music
Numerous artists who are currently popular face strong criticism because their song lyrics frequently depict cartel leaders as heroic, Robin Hood-like figures. Conversely, proponents argue that this genre, known as “narco corridos,” reflects the difficult realities faced by many young people throughout Mexico.
Bans and Alternative Approaches to the Genre
Several Mexican states have implemented bans on public performances of this musical genre in recent years, with Nayarit being the most recent state to do so in February. Some bans have been enacted following death threats against prominent artists from cartels, leading to concert cancellations.
Other figures, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, have advocated for less punitive approaches to address the genre. Sheinbaum, who opposes censorship of the music, has proposed that the Mexican government instead promote initiatives that support Mexican regional music with lyrics that are more socially acceptable.
Mexican President Demands Investigation
Following the Los Alegres del Barranco concert, President Sheinbaum sharpened her stance on the issue. In her daily news briefing this week, Sheinbaum called for an investigation into the concert, asserting, “Violence or criminal organizations cannot be justified.”