The cancellation affects fans, promoters, and local economies as U.S. authorities tighten oversight on artists linked to narcocorridos.
Javier Rosas has canceled his U.S. tour after immigration authorities revoked his work visa.
Mexican singer Javier Rosas has canceled his tour across several U.S. cities after authorities in that country revoked his work visa. The news was confirmed by the artist himself through his social media accounts, joining a growing list of regional Mexican musicians who have faced immigration restrictions this year.
The cancellation was announced on Sunday through a statement posted on Instagram. The performer of narcocorridos assured fans that the decision was not related to any legal issues, but rather to a routine administrative process.
“I want to inform you that, for reasons completely beyond my control, my team, or my company, I am forced to temporarily suspend my activities in the United States due to the cancellation of my work visa,”
— wrote Rosas.
The Sonora native also explained that this is a common process for international artists.
“This procedure is currently a routine matter that affects many artists and international workers and is not related to any legal or personal issues,”
— he added.
Among the affected tour dates were a concert in Toppenish, Washington, scheduled for the same Sunday as the announcement, and another in Minnesota on June 6.
Javier Rosas and his band La Artillería Pesada are known for performing corridos bélicos, a subgenre of regional Mexican music focused on themes like drug trafficking, power, weapons, and life on the margins of the law. While highly popular, this style has also placed Rosas in dangerous situations, including attacks and threats from organized crime groups.
Although there is no confirmed direct link between the revocation of his visa and the type of music he performs, it is clear that the U.S. has stepped up its scrutiny of artists who sing about drug-related topics.
A spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), speaking on background, stated that all work visas are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must meet specific eligibility and documentation standards. “The decision to revoke a visa is based on compliance with federal immigration laws and policies. Content or performance history may be considered if it raises concerns related to public safety or national interest,” the official said. However, the agency did not comment on any specific case.
Rosas is not alone. In recent months, several regional Mexican artists have faced similar issues:
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Grupo Firme, which also canceled shows in California.
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Espinoza Paz and Julión Álvarez, who have faced similar problems this year.
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Los Alegres del Barranco, whose visas were revoked after showing images of “El Mencho” — leader of the CJNG — during concerts in Jalisco and Michoacán.
The financial impact of these cancellations is significant. For artists like Rosas, losing access to the U.S. market means forfeiting potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and sponsorship deals. Promoters, venues, and local vendors also bear losses, having already invested in marketing, staffing, logistics, and operations.
Fans, many of whom had purchased tickets months in advance, are left disappointed. While refunds are typically issued, they often don’t cover travel or lodging expenses fans may have already paid for — especially for those traveling from other cities to attend.
“These cancellations disrupt local economies,” said Juan Romero, a concert promoter in Los Angeles. “It’s not just about one artist — it’s the bartenders, the parking attendants, the food vendors, the security staff. Everyone loses when a tour stops.”
These cases have brought increased attention to a sector of Mexican music that is currently enjoying major commercial success, but also stirring considerable controversy.
In response, the federal government of Mexico, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has adopted a strategy aimed at redirecting young people’s musical interests.
In May, the government announced the launch of México Canta, a contest for young people aged 18 to 34, aimed at promoting regional Mexican music with more “positive” themes, steering away from violence and organized crime.
Sheinbaum has stated that she does not support banning narcocorridos, but she does favor promoting content that does not glorify criminal activity.
