The Grupo Firme visa suspension has forced the popular Mexican band to cancel their U.S. concert appearance. The group announced Friday that they will no longer perform at the La Onda Fest in Napa Valley, California, due to a U.S. government decision. Their visas were suddenly suspended, reportedly tied to concerns over cartel-related music themes.
According to the band’s official statement on Instagram, both their own and their team’s visas are now under “administrative review” by the U.S. Embassy. As a result, they are unable to travel or perform. Grupo Firme expressed disappointment but gave no details on how this could affect future performances.
This Grupo Firme visa suspension follows broader U.S. actions targeting Mexican musicians. These artists often perform regional genres that include “narco-corridos,” songs sometimes accused of glorifying cartel figures. The U.S. State Department has already revoked multiple visas this year under similar concerns.
Just days before the announcement, authorities discovered the bodies of five musicians in Reynosa, a town along the Texas border. That shocking discovery reignited debates around music glorifying violence.
Two months ago, another group, Los Alegres del Barranco, was sanctioned for displaying images of a cartel leader during a show. At the time, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated, “Freedom of expression has limits when it praises criminals and terrorists.”
Despite past controversy, Grupo Firme has recently tried to distance itself from such themes. In April, they publicly announced they would no longer perform songs that romanticize cartel violence. This decision came shortly after their genre faced increased scrutiny.
For now, the group awaits further updates from the U.S. Embassy. Fans can only hope the issue gets resolved soon. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding narco music continues to grow.
