Grupo Firme canceled the US show: Visa from Trump Administration closed

Grupo Firme canceled the US show: Visa from Trump Administration closed

The popular Mexican music band Grupo Firme announced on Friday that she canceled one of her concerts at La Onda Fest in Napa Valley, California. The reason for this is the musicians' visas exposed by the US government. This decision follows that the US State Department has revoked the visas of several Mexican musicians because they play a music genre that, according to the authorities, glorifies the violence of cartels.

Visa problem and effects on artists

Grupo Firme, known for her international recognition in the field of regional Mexican music, said in a message on her Instagram account that the visa of the band and their team is currently being subjected to an “administrative review by the US message”. This makes it "impossible" to perform at the festival, which takes place in California on June 1st. However, the notification gave no information about the long -term consequences of this situation for the band.

confidentiality of visa cases

The US message in Mexico and the Foreign Ministry have stated that visa matters under US law are confidential and therefore cannot provide any further information on this case. This measure is the youngest in a series of actions by the US government under President Donald Trump, who are directed against Mexican artists, who in some cases represent the leaders of cartels as a kind of Robin Hood figures.

controversal music genre

The genre of the "Narco-Corridos" is controversial. Many songs also focus on the difficult life realities of Mexican young people who are caught in the violence of cartels. Two months ago, the Mexican music group Los Alegres del Barranco was punished after projecting pictures of the Jalalco New Generation Cartels at the concert in the western state of Jalalco.

freedom of expression of opinion

"I am a permanent advocate of freedom of expression, but that does not mean that this freedom should be without consequences," said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau about the incident. "The last thing we need is a welcome for people who glorify criminals and terrorists." Despite the controversy, Grupo has taken steps in recent months to distance itself from the aspect of the genre that glorifies criminal groups. In April, shortly after the controversy, the band announced that they will no longer perform such music at concerts.