Pablo Lemus ordered to ban all concerts that glorify crime

The governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, ordered a ban on any presentation related to the state administration that glorifies crime. This measure is implemented following the recent concert by Los Alegres del Barranco. During the concert, images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho", leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, were shown.

Lemus announced that no artist or group with a history of glorifying crime will be allowed to participate in state-sponsored events. That includes the traditional October Festivals in Guadalajara. Additionally, organizers will be required to provide a written commitment to avoid references to organized crime, with penalties for non-compliance.

The government initiated an investigation against the event's production.

The state government has initiated a investigation against the event's producers and the musical group for possible glorification of crime. Based on Article 142 of the Jalisco Penal Code, penalties of up to six months in prison are established for publicly inciting the commission of a crime or glorifying it. Despite the controversy, Los Alegres del Barranco again projected images alluding to figures of organized crime during their performance in Michoacán. The controversy adds to the recent discovery of a CJNG training camp in Teuchitlán, an hour from Guadalajara, which has intensified the public outrage.

These states in the Republic have sanctioned narco-concerts.

The ban on music that glorifies illicit activities has already been applied in states like Nayarit, Guanajuato, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and Quintana Roo. In those states, restrictions have been imposed on concerts and mass events. In 2024, singer Julián Álvarez was fined more than 700,000 pesos for performing a narcocorrido before 40,000 attendees. Previously, in 2022, Los Tigres del Norte performed "Jefe de Jefes" in the Zócalo of Mexico City, although without generating much controversy.

Los Alegres del Barranco, originating from Culiacán and known for their narcocorridos like "El 701" and "El Encierro de Joaquín," now face more consequences. According to various reports, the United States has revoked their work and tourist visas. So far, the band has not issued an official statement on the matter.