Over the past several months the current White House administration has denied visas to a number of athletes and musicians over alleged infractions with no evidence or proof.
The latest incident involves Mexican rapper “El Makabelico” – Ricardo Hernández – who has been sanctioned over allegations of money laundering for drug cartels.
Many of the musicians being denied entrance into the United States are accused of performing music that “explore themes related to cartels” – again with no evidence.
The current administration likens the Latin American cartels to “foreign terrorist organizations.”
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Hernandez uses his concerts and events to launder money for the Cartel del Noreste – DCN -; formerly known as the Zetas Cartel. The administration further alleges that Hernandez gives 50% of his royalties from streaming revenue directly to the cartel.
In a statement issued by the Treasury Department, “CDN depends on these alternative revenue streams and money laundering methods to boost their criminal enterprise, diversifying their income beyond criminal activity like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and extortion.”
According to the sanctions, Hernandez would have any of his properties in the U.S. blocked and all financial transactions with any businesses are also sanctioned.
Hernandez uses the stage name “El Makabelico” and wears a black ski mask for his performances which includes songs that reference criminal groups, street life, and cartel life.
The genre relating to drug cartels is increasing among Mexican artists and is sparking a great deal of debate and controversy on both sides of the border including banning performances.