**Headline: No Welcome for Narco Admiration: Consequences Fall on Mexican Band**
In a decisive move, both the United States and Mexico have responded to a recent controversy involving the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. The band recently performed concerts in Jalisco and Michoacán, where they praised Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of the CJNG cartel. This action led the U.S. to revoke work and tourist visas for all band members.
Christopher Landau, the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, took to social media on April 1st to emphasize the repercussions, stating, “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We’re not rolling out the welcome mat for anyone glorifying criminals and terrorists.” The concerts included performances of songs and displayed video tributes that idolized the drug lord, reinforcing their controversial stance.
Meanwhile, Mexico has also taken strict actions. President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for a thorough investigation, expressing that such glorification “shouldn’t happen.” The mayor of Zapopan took further steps by filing a formal complaint with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office against both the venue (the University of Guadalajara Auditorium) and the band. Additionally, Zapopan authorities imposed a fine of 33,942 pesos.
This series of events illustrates a unified resolve on both sides of the border against narco-worship. The message is clear: whoever you are, glorifying cartel leaders comes with significant consequences.
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**Related Article: Concerts Glorifying Drug Lords Under Scrutiny Worldwide**
The case of Los Alegres del Barranco is not isolated. Around the globe, artists who have glamorized criminal figures are facing increased pressure and backlash. In many instances, their songs are banned, and their performances called off. Countries like Colombia and Brazil have also ramped up their efforts to curb the cultural celebration of criminality.
Beyond Latin America, similar movements are taking place in places like Italy, where authorities are cracking down on songs that celebrate mafia culture. This global trend reflects a broader consensus that romanticizing crime and violence, particularly through popular music, is unacceptable and poses societal threats.
The message is spreading far and wide: admiring criminals through entertainment is falling out of favor internationally, signaling a shift toward more responsible cultural representation in the music industry.