• The US State Department revoked Los Alegres del Barranco band members’ visas for glorifying cartel leader El Mencho during a concert, sparking scrutiny from US and Mexican authorities.
• Narcocorridos, a music genre that often glorifies cartel figures, continues to raise concerns about its societal impact, with bands like Los Alegres del Barranco facing backlash for their controversial performances.
• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the band’s actions and called for an investigation, while the incident reignites debate around music’s role in normalizing cartel violence.

In a bold move by the US State Department, visas held by members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco have been revoked for “glorifying a drug kingpin.” According to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, the band projected an image of Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, better known as El Mencho—leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)—at a recent concert in Zapopan, Mexico. This action puts the band under intense scrutiny from both US and Mexican authorities.

Landau, posting on X, emphasized, “The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.” His statement reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to combat drug cartels, recently declaring the CJNG and seven other criminal organizations as “foreign terrorist organizations.” The US aims to “ensure the total elimination” of these groups’ influence, both domestically and internationally.

The Controversial Concert

The band raised eyebrows during their concert when an image of El Mencho appeared on stage alongside a song praising him as “a man of war who loves his family.” The lyrics also celebrated his achievements as the leader of the “cartel with four letters,” an obvious nod to the CJNG. This genre of music, known as narcocorridos, often glorifies cartel leaders, turning them into folk legends. It’s common for bands playing norteña music to be commissioned by drug lords early in their careers, performing at private events in exchange for financial support.

The Growing Problem of Narcocorridos

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Narcocorridos have long been a cultural phenomenon in Mexico, often centering on the exploits of infamous cartel leaders. For instance, Los Alegres del Barranco previously released a song called “The 701,” which glorifies Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel. The track described him as “the world’s most wanted man” who gained his wealth not only from money but also from the “friendship of the people.” These songs, though popular, often blur the line between entertainment and propaganda, raising concerns about their societal impact.

Reactions from Leaders and the Band

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was quick to criticize the band’s actions, calling them unacceptable during her morning press conference. “This shouldn’t happen, it’s not right,” she said, ordering an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the lead singer of the band seemed unfazed, posting on TikTok, “How cool,” in response to the president’s mention of their group and thanking fans for their continued support.

Despite the controversy, the band’s behavior has sparked a broader conversation about the influence of narcocorridos and their role in normalizing cartel violence.

A Glimmer of Hope

The incident comes just weeks after Mexican authorities uncovered a CJNG “training and extermination camp,” offering a chilling reminder of the cartel’s brutality. Yet, this discovery also highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle these criminal organizations. Music can be a powerful tool, and with the right approach, it could shift from glorifying violence to promoting change.

Request for Comment

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The Dupree Report has reached out to representatives for Los Alegres del Barranco, the US State Department, and President Sheinbaum’s office for comments. Updates will be provided as they respond.

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What’s your take on this controversy? Do you think bands have a responsibility to stay away from promoting criminal figures? Share your thoughts and follow more stories at The Dupree Report. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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