Mexican regional music icon Julión Álvarez, one of the genre’s most celebrated artists, has been compelled to cancel several scheduled performances in the United States, including a major concert in Texas, after his entry permit was withdrawn. According to CNN, one of these events was expected to draw over 50,000 attendees in Arlington.
Through an Instagram post, the singer expressed his disappointment and apologized to his American fans: “We regrettably find ourselves unable to perform in the United States as planned,” he stated, as reported by CNN. The artist behind the hit “Te Hubieras Ido Antes,” who has received multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards nominations, indicated that the concerts would be rescheduled, though specific dates couldn’t be provided. He mentioned receiving no official notification explaining the reasons for his visa withdrawal.
A US State Department representative contacted by CNN declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of personal information.
According to The Guardian as quoted by CNN, this marks the second instance this year of Mexican musicians being denied entry to American territory. In April, the group Los Alegres del Barranco faced similar challenges after projecting an image of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”— the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) — during a performance. This incident sparked controversy. In February, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., sentenced “El Mencho’s” son to life imprisonment for his alleged involvement in cartel activities.
Julión Álvarez is no stranger to controversy. In 2017, the US Treasury Department suspected him of having financial connections with drug trafficker Raúl Flores Hernández, an allegation the artist has consistently denied. He was temporarily banned from entering the United States during this period, although no criminal charges were filed.
The incident reignites the debate about entry restrictions targeting certain Latin American cultural figures, often linked to security concerns or ongoing investigations.
While awaiting clarification from American authorities, Julión Álvarez and his team continue their efforts to resolve the situation. His fans remain uncertain about his future performances on American soil.
