Trump Administration Revokes Visas of Mexican Band that Glorified Cartel Leader
Trump Administration Revokes Visas of Mexican Band that Glorified Cartel Leader

In a world where so many claim that “freedom of expression” means freedom from consequences, the Trump administration is drawing a line in the sand. Some entertainers seem to think they can celebrate, honor, and glorify violent criminals without facing repercussions. They’re learning the hard way that times have changed in America.

A Mexican musical group recently discovered that their admiration for one of the most violent cartel leaders in Mexico would cost them dearly. While they might have expected applause from their audience, they certainly weren’t prepared for the swift response that would follow from north of the border.

The message from the Trump administration couldn’t be clearer: If you publicly honor terrorists and drug lords, don’t expect a welcome mat at America’s doorstep. I, for one, am thrilled to see some common sense returning to our immigration policies.

During a concert in Guadalajara, Mexico, the band Los Alegres del Barranco decided to project images of notorious drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Ramos, known as “El Mencho,” onto screens during their performance. El Mencho isn’t just any criminal – he’s the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most ruthlessly violent criminal organizations.

The band performed “narcocorridos” – a controversial subgenre of Mexican music that chronicles the lives of drug traffickers – while displaying these images glorifying the cartel leader. The crowd reportedly cheered as the face of this brutal criminal appeared on screen, creating a disturbing scene of celebration around organized crime. Would you want your children attending a concert celebrating someone responsible for countless deaths and trafficking deadly drugs into our communities? I certainly wouldn’t.

What makes this even more egregious is that the Trump administration recently classified the CJNG as one of eight criminal groups now operating as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This wasn’t just poor taste – it was effectively celebrating a designated terrorist.

From ‘Daily Caller’:
“I’m a firm believer in freedom of expression, but that doesn’t mean that expression should be free of consequences,” Landau wrote on X.

Swift Action from the Trump Administration

The Biden years of hemming and hawing are over. Within days of the concert (not months or years of “considering our options”), Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced that the State Department had revoked the band members’ work and tourism visas, effectively barring them from entering the United States.

“I’m pleased to announce that the State Department has revoked the band members’ work and tourism visas,” Landau declared. “In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners’ access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.”

This decisive action demonstrates a fundamental shift in how America handles those who glorify violence and terrorism. The Trump administration is sending a clear message: Our immigration system isn’t just about physical security—it’s about protecting our values and not rewarding those who celebrate criminals.

Even Mexico Condemns the Celebration of Violence

Interestingly, the band’s actions caused outrage even in Mexico, where prosecutors in two states launched investigations into the projected images. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the band during a morning news conference, saying “this shouldn’t happen, it’s not right,” and ordered an investigation.

The potential consequences in Mexico could be severe, with the band possibly facing up to six months in prison for glorifying criminal activity. It seems that celebrating violent criminals isn’t acceptable on either side of the border – as it should be. (When both the U.S. and Mexico agree something is wrong, you know you’ve really crossed a line.)

Despite this, the lead singer of Los Alegres del Barranco appeared pleased about his band being mentioned during the president’s news conference, showing a troubling lack of remorse. How’s that working out for their U.S. tour plans and income now?

America’s Values Matter at Our Borders

The days of turning a blind eye to those who celebrate violence and terrorism are over. The Trump administration has demonstrated that access to America is a privilege, not a right – especially for those who glorify terrorist organizations responsible for violence, drug trafficking, and death.

“Freedom of expression” has never meant freedom from consequences. Those who choose to celebrate criminals designated as terrorists by the United States government shouldn’t expect to be welcomed into our country with open arms.

Under President Trump, America is once again standing up for its values and making it clear that we won’t roll out the red carpet for those who glorify the very criminals terrorizing communities on both sides of the border. Actions have consequences – especially when you’re asking for the privilege of entering the United States of America.

Key Takeaways

  • The Trump administration revoked visas for a Mexican band that glorified “El Mencho,” leader of a cartel now designated as a terrorist organization.
  • Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that freedom of expression doesn’t mean freedom from consequences, especially for non-citizens.
  • Even Mexican officials condemned the band’s actions, launching investigations that could lead to criminal charges in Mexico.
  • This decisive action represents a shift in how America handles those who celebrate terrorist organizations threatening communities on both sides of the border.

Sources: Source, Straight Arrow News

April 7, 2025
mm
Cole Harrison
Cole Harrison is a seasoned political commentator with a no-nonsense approach to the news. With years of experience covering Washington’s biggest scandals and the radical left’s latest schemes, he cuts through the spin to bring readers the hard-hitting truth. When he's not exposing the media's hypocrisy, you’ll find him enjoying a strong cup of coffee and a good debate.
Cole Harrison is a seasoned political commentator with a no-nonsense approach to the news. With years of experience covering Washington’s biggest scandals and the radical left’s latest schemes, he cuts through the spin to bring readers the hard-hitting truth. When he's not exposing the media's hypocrisy, you’ll find him enjoying a strong cup of coffee and a good debate.