**No Entry for Narco Cheerleaders**
The United States and Mexico are standing united against narco-glorification, putting their foot down on a Mexican band that chose to celebrate one of the country’s notorious crime figures. Recently, it’s been confirmed that the U.S. has revoked both work and tourist visas for the members of Los Alegres del Barranco. The decision comes after the band paid musical homage to Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, famously known as “El Mencho,” leader of the CJNG cartel, during performances in Jalisco and Michoacán.
Christopher Landau, a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, clarified the situation on his X account, stating, “Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. We’re not rolling out the welcome mat for anyone glorifying criminals and terrorists.”
Back in Mexico, the response was similarly assertive. President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for an investigation into the band’s actions, emphasizing that such behaviors are unacceptable. Furthermore, the mayor of Zapopan has lodged a formal complaint with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office against both the concert venue, the University of Guadalajara Auditorium, and the band itself. A fine of 300 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMA), equaling 33,942 pesos, was imposed, reinforcing that such actions will not go unpunished.
Across borders and professions, whether in a cowboy hat or business suit, paying homage to cartel leaders is increasingly seen as a costly misstep. Both countries are clearly aligning against narcocorrido culture, setting a precedent of zero tolerance for glorifying cartel figures.
**Secondary Article: Mexican Government Continues Crackdown on Narco-Culture**
In other related actions against narco-culture, ongoing efforts by the Mexican government indicate a growing intolerance toward the romanticization of criminal activities. Recently, authorities have targeted social media accounts spreading narco-related content that glorifies crime figures or showcases criminal lifestyles. This comes amid a broader initiative to curb the influence of narcoculture in society, particularly among young people who might be susceptible to its allure.
Additionally, a new educational program has been launched focusing on identifying and understanding the detrimental effects of narcoculture, aiming to foster resilience and awareness among students in areas heavily affected by cartel activities.
With collaborations between the government, educational institutions, and communities, Mexico is stepping up its fight against the glamorization of criminal activities, looking to reshape narratives that, for too long, have romanticized the world’s most dangerous criminals.