U.S. revokes visas of Mexican band members accused of 'glorifying' drug kingpin

Los Angeles Times - Apr 3rd, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

The U.S. State Department revoked the visas of Los Alegres del Barranco after they projected an image of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, during a concert in Zapopan, Mexico. This act drew criticism and triggered protests, as it was seen as glorifying a notorious cartel leader. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the visa revocation, citing the Trump administration’s stance against foreigners who extol criminals and terrorists. The band was set to tour the U.S. but now faces restrictions due to their actions.

The projection of El Mencho’s image has broader implications, as Mexican authorities strive to reduce the glamorization of drug traffickers, often depicted positively in corridos. This incident follows the discovery of a cartel training camp near Guadalajara, raising concerns over the influence and reach of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, known for its violence. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for an investigation, emphasizing the need to combat narratives that promote organized crime. The band's popularity in both Mexico and U.S. immigrant communities highlights the cross-border cultural and criminal dynamics at play.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of a complex issue involving cultural expression, international relations, and organized crime. It effectively presents the main events and responses from authorities, offering a balanced perspective on the controversy. The article is timely and relevant, addressing topics of significant public interest and potential impact. However, it could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly from the band members and cultural experts. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about the issue, but further depth and engagement could enhance its quality.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate account of the events surrounding the U.S. State Department's revocation of visas for the band Los Alegres del Barranco. The claims about the band's actions during their concert and the subsequent visa revocation align with documented reports. The mention of the Jalisco New Generation cartel and its leader, El Mencho, is consistent with widely available information about the cartel's activities and notoriety. However, some details, such as the specific role of the Mexican President in calling for an investigation and the exact legal implications in Mexico, require further verification to ensure precision. Overall, the article's factual basis is strong, but some claims would benefit from additional corroboration.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the actions of the band and the responses from U.S. and Mexican authorities. It includes perspectives from the U.S. State Department and the Mexican President, highlighting the international dimension of the issue. However, the article could improve by including statements or reactions from the band members themselves, beyond the brief mention of a TikTok video, to provide a fuller picture of their perspective. Additionally, insights from cultural experts on the impact of narco-corridos could enrich the narrative and offer readers a more nuanced understanding of the cultural context.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a logical sequence, making it easy to follow. The language is clear and concise, and the tone is neutral, which aids in comprehension. The use of subheadings or bullet points could further enhance clarity by breaking down complex information into more digestible parts. Overall, the article succeeds in conveying the main points effectively, but minor improvements in structure could enhance readability.

6
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as the U.S. State Department and the Mexican President, which adds to its reliability. However, it lacks direct citations or references to specific statements from these authorities, which would bolster its credibility. The absence of named sources or direct quotes from the band members or cultural experts limits the depth of the reporting. Including more authoritative voices and direct quotes would enhance the article's credibility and provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the events but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and the methodology behind the claims. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or the potential biases of the sources. Additionally, the article does not clarify any potential conflicts of interest that may affect the reporting. Providing more context about the sources and the process of gathering information would improve transparency and help readers better understand the basis of the claims.

Sources

  1. https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/us-revokes-mexican-band-los-alegres-del-barrancos-visa-over-cartel-themed-concert-featuring-images-of-el-chapo-el-mencho/articleshow/119909444.cms
  2. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=360367http%3A%2F%2Facecomments.mu.nu%2F%3Fpost%3D360367
  3. https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/los-alegres-del-barranco-us-visas-concert-controversy/
  4. https://qresear.ch/?q=Bodies
  5. https://music.mxdwn.com/2025/04/02/news/u-s-state-department-revokes-visas-from-los-alegres-del-barranco-over-allegedly-displaying-images-of-cartel-leader-during-recent-concert/