US revokes Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco’s visa over cartel-themed concert featuring images of El Chapo, El Mencho

The United States government revoked the visas of members of Los Alegres del Barranco band. This came after they displayed pictures of drug kingpins El Chapo and El Mencho during a concert in Guadalajara. The Donald Trump administration’s decision has received widespread criticism and legal action in Mexico.

During their performance on March 29 at the Auditorium Telmex, the band projected visuals of the infamous cartel leaders while playing narco corridos—songs which glorify drug traffickers, stated media reports. In one segment, El Mencho’s photograph was displayed as the band praised him as a “man of war” and the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Reportedly, they later performed a song about El Chapo, which was accompanied by his mugshot on the big screen.

Mexican band’s performance sparks controversy

As per the BBC report, the concert titled Los Senores del Corrido has sparked controversy both in the US and Mexico. Reportedly, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the performance. She also called for an investigation.

The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s office, according to the media reports, are examining whether the band’s actions constitute as glorification of crime which carries a potential prison sentence under Mexican law.

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US authorities take swift action

As per the reports, the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the visas of band members Armando Moreno Alvarez, Jose Pavel Moreno Serrano, Jose Carlos Moreno Alvarez, and Cristobal Reyes Lopez were revoked.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, as per the BBC report, said that the last thing the US needs is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.

This is not the first time that the US has sanctioned persons linked to drug cartels. In 2017, singer Julion Alvarez and footballer Rafael Marquez faced similar consequences over alleged ties to organised crime.

Concert venue distances itself

Meanwhile, the University of Guadalajara—which oversees the venue—has distanced themselves from the controversy. They said that the auditorium is a rental space and does not control artists’ performances. They also announced plans to revise contracts to prohibit acts which could be interpreted as promoting criminal activity.

The incident has again sparked controversy regarding narcocorridos, the reports added. Even though some contend that the genre is an expression of Mexican society, others believe it glorifies cartel violence.

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Reportedly, a few Mexican states like Sinaloa, Baja California, and Quintana Roo have banned public performances of the songs, but Jalisco has not done so yet.

With their US visas cancelled and a probe underway, the band is now at risk of facing severe legal and professional consequences.

FAQs

1. Why was Los Alegres del Barranco's US visas revoked?

The band aired projections of drug lords El Chapo and El Mencho in a concert, singing songs that were in their praise. The US authorities considered this as glorifying criminal groups.


2 . Are narcocorridos illegal in Mexico?
Although not prohibited across the country, certain Mexican states have imposed limits or sanctions on public performances of songs praising drug traffickers.