On April 3rd, Secretary of State Christopher Landau released a statement concerning X.
Landau condemned the band Los Alegress del Baranco for “celebrating the drug trafficker” by projecting the image of El Mencho during a concert recently held in Mexico. El Mencho, whose real name is Nemesio Osseguera Ramos, is the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), recognized as one of the most notorious international drug trafficking organizations. The Trump administration recently classified the CJNG among eight criminal entities categorized as “foreign terrorist organizations.”
I strongly advocate for freedom of expression, yet that does not imply that such expression comes without repercussions. The Mexican band Los Alegress del Baranco displayed an image during a concert that lauded El Mencho, head of the violently notorious CJNG cartel… pic.twitter.com/nesiib7ec4
– Deputy Chief Christopher Landau (@deputysecstate) April 2, 2025
“I firmly believe in freedom of expression, but that does not imply that such expression is exempt from consequences,” Landau wrote in X.
“We are pleased to declare that the State Department has revoked the jobs and tourism visas for the band members.”
Landau stated, “The Trump administration takes foreign access to our nation very seriously. We certainly do not need to provide a welcome for those who idolize criminals and terrorists.”
The band lost their visa after significant outrage in Mexico following the concert.
Officials from two states have initiated investigations concerning the projected images. As reported by Canadian media.
The BBC reported that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the band during a morning press briefing and called for an investigation, stating, “This should not occur; it is unacceptable.” (Related: “Borders are closed”: Trump administrators claim historic low at the intersection of immigration)
The singer of Los Alegress del Baranco appeared pleased that their band’s name was mentioned at the president’s press briefing. According to the BBC.
