The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked the work and tourist visas of the four members of the Mexican regional band Los Alegres del Barranco, following a concert in Guadalajara on March 29, 2025 in which they allegedly paid homage to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG).
As confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice to the newspaper El Universal, the musicians promoted during their performance a group considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The sanction was given under the argument of “indirect promotion of criminal activities”.
What happened at the concert?

During the performance of the corrido “El del palenque”, images created with artificial intelligence were projected depicting the alleged arrest of El Mencho in previous years.
The song’s lyrics make explicit reference to a drug kingpin:
“I am the owner of the palenque, four letters go in front, I am from Michoacán, where the Tierra Caliente is, I am the lord of the roosters, the one from the Jalisco cartel”.
This provoked a reaction from authorities in both the U.S. and Mexico.
They considered that Los Alegres del Barranco made apology for crime and publicly glorified a criminal group.
Criminal investigation in Mexico

The Jalisco State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) opened an investigation against the four members of Los Alegres del Barranco:
Armando Moreno Álvarez (lead vocalist and bassist)
José Pavel Moreno Serrano (accordion and second vocals)
José Carlos Moreno Álvarez (bass)
Cristóbal Reyes López (drums)
They were summoned to testify before the authorities, under the allegation of having publicly promoted criminal conduct.
In Mexico, the apology of crime can carry criminal penalties, if the intention to incite or glorify criminal acts is proven.
They remain silent

As of April 1, 2025, none of the members of Los Alegres del Barranco has issued a public statement.
They allegedly paid tribute to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
QueOnnda.com
The cancellation of their visas means that they will not be able to enter the United States, which represents a direct blow to their tours and presentations in U.S. territory.
Here, they have a significant fan base, especially in states such as California, Texas and Nevada.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.