U.S. Revokes Visas of Los Alegres del Barranco After Cartel Leader Image Displayed

The U.S. State Department revoked the work and tourist visas of members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco in early April 2025 after images of drug cartel leader Nemesio Rubén "El Mencho" were projected during a concert in Jalisco, Mexico. The incident, which also reportedly featured images of other cartel figures in some accounts, sparked widespread public outrage and prompted investigations into whether the band was promoting violence or glorifying criminal activities.

Officials from both the U.S. and Mexican governments have voiced their concerns. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that while freedom of expression is valued, it does not exempt individuals from the consequences of celebrating criminal behavior. In Mexico, regional authorities and public figures, including Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus, have taken a firm stance against the glorification of cartel culture, rekindling the debate around the controversial narco corridos genre.