Trump Administration Suspends Mexican Band's Visas Before US Show

The popular Mexican band Grupo Firme has canceled its scheduled performance at California's La Onda Fest after the U.S. government suspended the musicians' visas. According to the band's statement on Instagram, their visas are under 'administrative review by the US Embassy,' making it impossible for them to perform at the June 1 event in Napa Valley. The band did not specify what implications this might have for their future performances in the United States.

The visa suspension appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration targeting Mexican artists who perform regional music that allegedly glorifies cartel violence. This follows similar actions taken against other Mexican musical groups, including Los Alegres del Barranco, which was sanctioned two months ago after projecting images of a cartel leader during a concert. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has defended these measures, stating that freedom of expression does not mean 'expression should be free of consequences.'

The State Department has been revoking visas of Mexican musicians who perform music that officials claim glorifies cartel violence. While some of these 'narco-corridos' have stirred controversy for portraying cartel leaders as heroic figures, advocates note that much of this music also reflects the harsh realities facing Mexican youth in areas affected by cartel violence. The genre has cultural significance in Mexico while raising concerns about its potential social impact.

Grupo Firme had recently taken steps to distance itself from aspects of the musical genre that glorify criminal organizations. In April, following controversies surrounding narco-corridos, the band announced it would no longer perform such music at concerts. Despite these efforts, the band's visas remain under review, highlighting tensions between cultural expression and security concerns in U.S.-Mexico relations under the current administration.