Mexican regional music sensation Grupo Firme has announced the cancellation of their scheduled performance at La Onda Fest in Napa Valley, California, citing visa complications that stem from actions initiated during the Trump administration.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the band revealed that both they and their crew are currently subject to an “administrative review” by the U.S. Embassy. As a result, they are unable to enter the United States for their June 1 performance. While the group did not elaborate on the long-term implications, the announcement has reignited discussions around immigration policies and cultural censorship in the music industry.

Visa Crackdown Targets Music Genre

This situation is not isolated. It follows a broader pattern of U.S. visa restrictions that have affected several Mexican musicians — particularly those performing “narco-corridos,” a controversial subgenre that often portrays the lives of cartel figures. Though criticized for glamorizing violence, the music also serves as a raw reflection of the struggles faced by many in cartel-afflicted regions of Mexico.

Under policies first enforced during Donald Trump’s presidency, several artists have reportedly had their U.S. visas revoked or denied. The State Department has declined to comment on individual cases due to confidentiality rules but has been clear in its stance against music it believes contributes to the glorification of criminal figures.

A Growing Genre in the Crosshairs

Grupo Firme has become one of the most popular acts in Mexican regional music, drawing huge audiences across Latin America and among Latino communities in the U.S. Their blend of banda and norteño music has turned them into international stars — making their sudden visa issues particularly disruptive to fans and event organizers alike.

While the band has not been explicitly linked to cartel-themed songs, their cancellation may reflect a wider crackdown that lumps all artists in the genre under the same scrutiny.

The Cultural Impact

Critics of the visa suspensions argue that such moves amount to a form of censorship and fail to understand the cultural context of the music. For many fans, narco-corridos are not endorsements of violence but rather a form of storytelling that captures the socioeconomic challenges facing Mexican communities.

Grupo Firme’s fans in the U.S. have expressed disappointment and concern over what this might mean for the future of Latin music performances in the country.

What’s Next?

The band has not shared whether this administrative review will impact future U.S. tour dates or performances. The U.S. Embassy has remained tight-lipped, citing privacy laws regarding visa matters.

As Grupo Firme navigates this setback, the incident has brought renewed attention to how immigration and cultural policies can collide — especially for artists whose work reflects complicated social realities.

For now, fans will have to wait to see whether one of Mexico’s biggest musical exports will be allowed to return to U.S. stages.