In brief
The US State Department has rescinded visas for members of the band Los Alegres del Barranco after they projected an image of drug kingpin El Mencho during a concert. The incident has reignited discussions about the cultural implications of narcocorridos in both Mexico and the US.
The US State Department has taken action against the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco by revoking their visas, following a controversial performance where they glorified drug lord El Mencho, leader of the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed the decision, condemning the band's display of El Mencho's image during a concert in Zapopan, Mexico, which was broadcast while they performed a song praising his persona.El Mencho, known for his violent leadership of one of the world's most notorious drug trafficking organizations, has been characterized by US officials as a foreign terrorist. In recent months, the CJNG was included in a list of eight criminal groups deemed a threat to national security, leading to strict measures, including visa denials for those promoting or celebrating such figures.Los Alegres del Barranco had a substantial tour planned across various states in the US, highlighting their popularity among Mexican-American communities. However, their recent concert marked a turning point, as they projected images of El Mencho while extolling him as a family man and leader of a “cartel with four letters,” subtly referencing the CJNG. Such performances are not uncommon in the genre known as narcocorridos, which often celebrate figures within the drug trade.These songs frequently draw attention in Mexico, where cartels sometimes financially support bands to create music that enhances their image. The incident at the concert coincided with the recent discovery of a ranch linked to the CJNG, which authorities described as both a training facility and a site for executing those who resisted recruitment.Criticism of Los Alegres del Barranco came from various sectors in Mexico, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, who deemed the act unacceptable and called for an investigation. Despite the backlash, the band's singer expressed a sense of pride and gratitude for the mention by the president during a TikTok video, showcasing the complexity surrounding the cultural phenomenon of narcocorridos and their impact on both sides of the border.
