During the concert, the band performed a song that praised El Mencho, describing him as 'a man of war who loves his family', which further fueled the backlash.

This incident underscores ongoing efforts by authorities in both Mexico and the U.S. to combat the influence of drug cartels, particularly the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus announced a ban on performances that glorify violence, warning of potential economic and legal penalties for violators.

The U.S. State Department has revoked visas for members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco due to their alleged glorification of drug kingpin El Mencho during a concert.

Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau emphasized that while freedom of expression is vital, it must come with consequences, especially for those who promote criminals and terrorists.

Following the controversy, multiple upcoming shows for Los Alegres del Barranco have been canceled, with some venues citing a lack of necessary permits.

Despite the fallout, band member Pavel Moreno expressed gratitude for fan support in a TikTok video, although he did not address the visa revocation directly.

In response to the growing concerns, several Mexican states, including Nayarit, have enacted bans on public performances of narcocorridos due to threats against artists.

The controversy reflects a broader cultural debate in Mexico regarding narcocorridos, a genre that often romanticizes drug cartel figures and has faced increasing criticism.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has called for investigations into the glorification of drug traffickers in music.

The controversy erupted after the band projected a mugshot of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', during their performance on March 29, 2025, in Guadalajara.

While President Sheinbaum opposes outright censorship of narcocorridos, she advocates for promoting more socially responsible music and has called for initiatives to address the issue.