### U.S. and Mexico Say No to Band That Praised Drug Lord
In a recent move that has aligned the U.S. and Mexican authorities, both countries have taken action against the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco. The U.S. has reportedly revoked the work and tourist visas for all the members of the band after they paid tribute to Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” a notorious drug lord during concerts in Jalisco and Michoacán.
Christopher Landau, the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, highlighted this decision on social media, emphasizing that while freedom of speech is cherished, it doesn’t shield individuals from the repercussions of glorifying criminals and terrorists.
Meanwhile, Mexico is also taking a stand. President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered an investigation, condemning the tribute acts as unacceptable. Zapopan’s mayor has already filed a complaint with the Jalisco State Attorney’s Office against the concert venue and the band itself. Moreover, the City of Zapopan has imposed a fine of 33,942 pesos on the University of Guadalajara Auditorium for hosting the event.
Praising a cartel leader has become an expensive and unwelcome affair. Both nations are shifting toward a zero-tolerance approach, emphasizing that glorifying narco culture is no longer acceptable.
### Related News: Crackdown on Narco Culture Intensifies
In a broader crackdown on narco culture, several recent developments highlight increased measures against the glorification of criminal organizations.
In the U.S., Homeland Security has increased scrutiny over performances by artists known for singing narcocorridos—songs that glamorize drug lords and criminal activities. Several artists have faced visa cancellations, with authorities citing these performances as detrimental to public safety.
In Mexico, the government is working on laws to further penalize public events that promote cartel violence. The move is part of a larger strategy to undercut the cultural influence of cartels, which often use music to recruit and retain members by promoting a glamorous image of life in organized crime.
These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the role cultural narratives play in sustaining organized criminal activities. Authorities on both sides of the border are beginning to align on efforts to dismantle not just the physical but also the cultural infrastructure that supports the drug trade.