State Dept revokes visas for Mexican band members who praised Cartel leader 'El Mencho' at concert

On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced that the United States would be revoking visas held by members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. The decision stems from the band displaying images at a recent concert glorifying the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) terror group, Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, otherwise known as "El Mencho." The incident occurred on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in Zapopan, Jalisco.

Landau, a former US Ambassador to Mexico, addressed the situation in a post on X. He stated: "I'm a firm believer in freedom of expression, but that doesn't mean that expression should be free of consequences. A Mexican band, 'Los Alegres del Barranco,' portrayed images glorifying drug kingpin 'El Mencho' - head of the grotesquely violent CJNG cartel - at a recent concert in Mexico."

"I'm pleased to announce that the State Department has revoked the band members' work and tourism visas," Landau continued. "In the Trump administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners' access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists."

The revocation prevents the band members from entering the United States. The group had been scheduled to perform at upcoming events in the United States, including the Besame Mucho festival in Austin, Texas, on April 5. According to reports, the band flashed images of El Mencho while performing the song "El Dueno del Palenque," which included lyrics praising him as a "war hero."

The Trump administration recently designated the CJNG, one of the most feared transnational drug trafficking groups, as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation is part of the administration's broader strategy to combat foreign criminals who have been invading the country and harming US citizens. Members of the CJNG have been responsible for trafficking illicit drugs into the United States, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additionally, the United States has offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho's whereabouts.

Just weeks ago, Mexican authorities uncovered a "training and extermination camp" near Guadalajara that was affiliated with the CJNG. Authorities discovered evidence of mass murders, such as bone fragments, the BBC reported. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the band's actions and requested an investigation during a press conference.