Could Peso Pluma Lose His U.S. Visa Over His Lyrics? Here’s What We Know
The sound of corrido tumbado might be shaking stages worldwide, but behind the scenes, its biggest stars could soon face a different kind of silence. Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano, Grupo Firme, and more are reportedly under U.S. government scrutiny as part of a sweeping Trump administration crackdown that could cost them their U.S. visas.
Here’s what’s going down.
Why Peso Pluma Might Be in the Crosshairs
After President Donald Trump declared Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations in January 2025, his administration began reevaluating the immigration status of foreign nationals allegedly linked directly or indirectly to those groups. That includes artists whose music glorifies cartel life.
According to Infobae, sources inside the Trump administration confirmed that musicians who promote or support criminal or terrorist organizations—through lyrics, performances, or imagery—could lose their ability to enter the U.S.
Peso Pluma, a pioneer of the corrido tumbado genre, finds himself in the spotlight. The genre’s popularity has exploded globally, but it often walks a fine line between art and perceived glorification of drug trafficking. Infobae reported that Peso Pluma and other artists are under review for potential visa revocation.
Los Alegres del Barranco Lose Their Visa—Peso Pluma Could Be Next
The case that ignited alarm? Los Alegres del Barranco had their U.S. visas revoked after performing “El del Palenque,” a song honoring CJNG cartel leader “El Mencho.” During their March 29 concert in Guadalajara, they projected images of the drug lord, prompting outrage and an investigation by Jalisco’s Attorney General.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed the visa cancellations on X, writing, “The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.”
According to Mexico News Daily, the Trump administration sees this as a national security issue. In less than three months, the State Department has already revoked more than 800 visas, and thousands more are under review.
Peso Pluma Reportedly Considers Leaving the U.S.
In light of the controversy, Peso Pluma is reportedly contemplating shutting down his Los Angeles offices and relocating to Europe. Influencer Chamonica reported on social media that the singer has already closed some of his California operations. Though Peso Pluma hasn’t made an official statement, the rumors suggest he’s trying to protect himself amid tightening immigration policies.
The timing tracks: Peso Pluma is slated to perform at Morriña Festival in Spain this summer, followed by a European tour. Al Día reported he may simply stay abroad.
From Music to Surveillance: When Corridos Become Intelligence
Some critics argue that narcocorridos do more than entertain—they document real criminal activity. As Mexico News Daily highlighted, Mexican federal authorities have previously used narcocorrido lyrics to track suspects. One case involved Mario Alexander “N,” known as El Piyi, whose activities were outlined in a corrido by Larry Hernández and Los Caimanes de Sinaloa.
That blurring of lines is precisely what Trump’s administration is zeroing in on.
The Debate Over Freedom of Expression
While Deputy Secretary Landau claimed on X that “freedom of expression doesn’t mean freedom from consequences,” others argue the visa crackdown is a dangerous overreach. Critics say it criminalizes art and may violate First Amendment protections.
“I don’t know when we got it in our head that a visa is some sort of birthright,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 19, per Milenio. “It is not.”
Peso Pluma’s lyrics have sparked debate before—most recently during the Viña del Mar Festival in Chile, where he canceled his appearance amid backlash over whether corridos tumbados romanticize criminal lifestyles. He also pulled out of a Tijuana performance after receiving threats from rival cartels.
What’s Next for Peso Pluma and Regional Mexican Artists?
The Trump administration’s actions send a clear message: artists whose work is perceived as promoting criminal organizations will be treated as security threats. According to Televicentro, stars like Grupo Firme, Edgardo Núñez, and Natanael Cano are also at risk.
Whether Peso Pluma will actually lose his visa remains unclear. But what is certain is that the intersection of art, politics, and national security has never been more fraught.
And for millions of fans across the U.S.—many of them Latino—the outcome could reshape the sound of the stage for years to come.
