In brief
Members of the band Los Alegres del Barranco are experiencing consequences for flashing an image of a notorious drug lord at a performance.
The U.S. State Department has stepped in after members of the Mexican band, Los Alegres del Barranco, projected an image of drug kingpin El Mencho during a concert in Zapopan, Mexico. El Mencho, whose real name is Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, leads the dangerous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In a statement on social media, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that promoting criminals and terrorists should not have a place in the U.S. As a reaction, the band's visas were revoked, impacting upcoming shows in states like California, Texas, and Oklahoma. The band’s music often features narcocorridos, celebrated for detailing the lives of drug lords, which has gained traction among Mexican-American communities. The controversial concert displayed a tribute to El Mencho while the band performed a song that described him as a “man of war.” This incident has sparked broader discussions about the cultural implications of narcocorridos in Mexico. Notably, the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, condemned the performance, calling for a thorough investigation. The singer of Los Alegres del Barranco appeared to embrace the publicity, expressing gratitude for the support received from fans.
