Posted: Tuesday, May 6, 2025. 9:37 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: A popular Mexican band has been barred from entering the U.S. after performing a narcocorrido—a ballad about drug lords—sparking debate over censorship and free speech.
Los Alegres del Barranco were denied U.S. visas after singing “El del Palenque,” a song praising the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, at a concert in Mexico, CNN reports.
The U.S. State Department cited “glorifying a drug kingpin” as the reason, marking the first time U.S. authorities have punished a band for such content.
Narcocorridos, a long-standing Mexican folk tradition, have become flashpoints as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to combat cartels, even targeting music.
Critics argue that the move threatens artistic freedom and reflects a broader anti-Mexico sentiment.
Despite bans and backlash, the genre’s popularity is growing—especially in the U.S., where acts like Peso Pluma have topped charts.
Fans and musicians warn that suppressing the music may only make it more influential.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post International News: Trump-era crackdown on drug cartel ballads reaches Mexican bands appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, May 6, 2025. 9:37 am CST. By Zoila Palma: A popular Mexican band has been barred from entering the U.S. after performing a narcocorrido—a
The post International News: Trump-era crackdown on drug cartel ballads reaches Mexican bands appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
