Any non-American musician or band who wishes to perform in the United States must apply for a work visa in order to do so.
It is not uncommon for an artist possessing drugs at the time of attempting to cross the border; but the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco have had their visas to perform in the U.S. revoked after it was revealed that they displayed the photo of drug cartel boss Nemesio Ruben “El Mencho” Oseguera – leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel – displayed over flames behind the band during a performance in Jalisco over the weekend.
Outrage in Mexico has sparked an investigation in two Mexican states for the projection of violent images and the romanticizing drug cartels. In Jalisco, promoting violence is a crime punishable by a six month jail sentence.
Former Ambassador Christopher Landau posted on social media, “I’m a firm believer in freedom of expression, but that doesn’t mean that expression should be free of consequences. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.”
While the audience clapped during the show, accusations and finger pointing ensued among band members, concert producers, and the venue after the photo appeared.
Allegedly Oseguera and his Cartel are connected with a ranch authorities allege is used to train recruits and dispose of bodies.
The Jalisco Cartel is among the groups that have been listed as a terrorist organization by the White House.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus stated that they would ban all musical performances that glorify violence; adding that violators would “face monetary and criminal sanctions”.
The band was originally scheduled to perform in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 4 but their visas have been revoked. While the concert itself has not been cancelled, ticket sites read “no tickets available for now on our site.”
Mexican artists are being criticized for their lyrics that glorify cartel leaders as “Robin Hood-esque figures”. And the genre known as “narco-corridos” expresses the “harsh realities of many youths across Mexico.” A number of Mexican states have banned the public performances of such music; while some of the artists themselves have cancelled performances due to death threats from the cartels.
While against the censoring of music, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggests that the government put forth initiatives to promote more socially acceptable lyrics.