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Mexican corrido band sees U.S. visas canceled after displaying cartel photos

BBG News

The U.S. State Department revoked the visas for work and tourism for the members of the Mexican corrido band Los Alegres del Barranco because they showed pictures of a drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, during their concert in Guadalajara, Mexico.

At their University of Guadalajara performance on March 29, the band displayed an illustration of Cervantes, who is associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on a large screen as they played their song “El Dueño del Palenque.” Footage of this event was shared on social media.

The State Department’s decisions prevented the band from embarking on their planned U.S. tour, with the first performance set for April 4 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a scheduled stop in Los Angeles County at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena on May 25th.

California

Angel Del Villar and his entertainment company, Del Entertainment, were convicted for collaborating in the act of breaking a federal law that prevents American citizens and businesses from engaging in transactions with recognized drug dealers and their affiliates.

On Tuesday, Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of State, confirmed the report on X.

In his latest post, Landau expressed that while he strongly advocates for free speech, it doesn’t exempt anyone from facing repercussions. He mentioned an instance where a Mexican band, Los Alegres del Barranco, displayed images that glorified the notorious drug lord ‘El Mencho,’ who leads the CJNG cartel, during their recent concert in Mexico.

I’m happy to share that the State Department has decided to cancel the work and tourist visas of the band members. In the Trump Administration, we value the security and integrity of our nation, which includes being cautious about granting access to foreigners. We do not want to create an environment that encourages individuals who praise criminals or terrorists.

About a month before Landau’s announcement, I, as a movie buff with an interest in global affairs, found myself intrigued by the statement made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He had declared that the State Department had labeled eight cartels and transnational organizations, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. In other words, these groups were seen as dangerous enough to be treated similarly to international terrorist groups.

The band Los Alegres del Barranco faced criticism from people on both sides of the border, as there has been a growing wave of public disapproval in Mexico concerning the positive portrayal of crime bosses in regional Mexican music. One notable critic of their actions was Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

World & Nation

The situation involving ‘El Menchito’ illustrates a significant generation gap between drug cartel leaders, who are from the baby boomer era, and their offspring belonging to the millennial generation.

Sheinbaum expressed that such an event should not have taken place, stating it was unacceptable during a March 31st press conference. He emphasized that neither violence nor criminal organizations can be apologized for. Furthermore, he demanded a thorough investigation into the incident at the concert.

But this isn’t the first time CJNG has been associated with regional Mexican artists.

Last month, the head of Del Records, a music label based in Bell Gardens specializing in Mexican music, was found guilty by a federal jury for conspiring to break a law that prevents American residents and businesses from engaging in transactions with recognized drug dealers and their affiliates (known as the Kingpin Statute).

Last April of 2018, I collaborated with Jesús Pérez Alvear, a music promoter from Guadalajara, as part of my entertainment agency’s work. It was later revealed in court that Mr. Pérez Alvear had been penalized by the Treasury Department.

At the given point, representatives from the Treasury Department stated that Pérez was involved in washing illegal earnings from the CJNG and a related smuggling organization known as Los Cuinis – money believed to originate from drug trafficking activities.

Gerardo Ortiz testified against former label boss Angel Del Villar in court this week

Pedro was charged with intertwining earnings from drug trafficking with income from ticket and beverage sales legitimately. Additionally, he supported musicians who performed narcocorridos, songs that critics argue portray traffickers and their offenses in a favorable light, according to Treasury officials.

Previously, Pérez admitted guilt in a case involving conspiring to conduct business with individuals linked to drug trafficking who were under sanctions. Up until March 2019, he organized concerts for Del Entertainment in Mexico. Tragically, he was killed in Mexico in December 2024.

As stated by the U.S. Attorney’s office, Del Villar and Del Entertainment knowingly collaborated with Pérez, as they persistently allowed a Del Entertainment musical artist to perform at concerts where Pérez and Del Entertainment held a financial stake.

Via an emailed statement, Del Villar’s legal representatives expressed their firm disagreement with the March 27 verdict and have announced their intention to launch an appeal. The court has scheduled Del Villar’s sentencing for August 15, and he could potentially receive up to 30 years in prison for each charge. Similarly, Del Entertainment is facing a sentence of five years probation and a fine of $10 million for each count.

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2025-04-03 04:01

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