The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned Mexican rapper El Makabelico, whose real name is Ricardo Hernandez Medrano, due to allegations of money laundering for the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN).

Hernández is accused of directing 50% of his streaming royalties to the cartel, resulting in sanctions that block his U.S. properties and freeze financial transactions with sanctioned businesses.

As a consequence of these sanctions, El Makabelico's U.S. assets are blocked, and individuals in the U.S. are prohibited from conducting business with him, facing potential civil or criminal penalties.

The Cartel del Noreste is recognized as one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organizations, significantly impacting the border region, particularly Laredo, Texas.

These sanctions are part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and money laundering associated with the cartel's operations.

El Makabelico is identified as a prominent associate of CDN, a group notorious for its violent drug trafficking activities and previously known as Los Zetas.

The sanctions come amid a wider crackdown by the Trump administration on artists linked to cartel-related themes, including the recent visa revocations for other musicians.

El Makabelico is associated with Del Records, a major regional Mexican music label facing scrutiny after its CEO, Ángel Del Villar, was convicted of cartel-related business dealings.

The sanctions were announced on August 6, 2025, as part of the Treasury's efforts to combat criminal organizations that utilize alternative revenue streams.

Hernández's music, often referencing cartel life, falls within the controversial genre of 'narco-corridos,' which has sparked discussions about artistic expression versus censorship.

A representative for El Makabelico was not available for comment following the announcement of the sanctions.