**Narco Cheerleaders Denied Entry: A Joint U.S.-Mexico Crackdown**
**By Luisa Rosas-Hernández**
The United States and Mexico have taken a united stand against glorifying crime in music, particularly targeting groups that sing praises to notorious criminals. Recently, the U.S. revoked both work and tourist visas for the members of Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco after they performed songs glorifying Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the CJNG cartel, a prominent and violent criminal organization.
Christopher Landau, a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, confirmed these visa revocations, emphasizing that freedom of speech doesn’t exempt one from facing consequences, especially when it pertains to promoting criminal figures. Mexico, echoing this sentiment, has also stepped into the fray. President Claudia Sheinbaum has demanded an investigation into such performances, condemning the glorification of criminality.
Adding to the measures, the Mayor of Zapopan has filed a formal complaint with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office against both the venue—University of Guadalajara Auditorium—and the band itself. As part of the punitive response, Zapopan authorities imposed a fine of 300 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMA), totaling 33,942 pesos. This joint action from both nations underscores a zero-tolerance policy toward the glamorization of criminal entities, setting a strong precedent for others who might attempt to follow suit.
**Secondary Article: Increasing Crackdown on Narco-Culture in Music**
The recent actions against Los Alegres del Barranco are part of a broader crackdown on musicians associated with narco-culture. In a parallel move, various local governments in Mexico have been canceling permits for events where groups known for such content are set to perform, in an effort to stem the influence of narco-corridos—a genre that romanticizes drug lords and their lifestyles.
According to various sources, this intensified scrutiny comes as both nations recognize the detrimental impact that the normalization of crime through music has on society, especially on the younger generations. With an increasing number of artists being denied entry to perform in the United States due to content concerns, a clear message is being sent: the glorification of drug cartels and their leaders will not be tolerated.
These efforts reflect a growing commitment to dismantling the complex web of influence that narco-culture wields across borders, aiming to prioritize the promotion of constructive and inspirational content in the artistic sphere. As both countries continue to navigate these cultural challenges, the actions against Los Alegres del Barranco serve as a definitive step toward cultural responsibility and bilateral collaboration.