A former political candidate in Guerrero, Mexico, Pedro Segura, has publicly threatened journalist Carlos Loret de Mola after being confronted with video footage of him singing a song dedicated to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The incident and Segura’s subsequent response, has ignited a debate about the glorification of criminal figures in Mexican culture and the influence of organized crime on the political landscape. The controversy surrounding Segura and his apparent admiration for a notorious drug lord underscores the complex relationship between politics, entertainment, and criminal activity in Mexico.
Segura, who ran for governor of Guerrero as a candidate for the Green Party (PVEM) and the Labor Party (PT), allies of the ruling Morena party, responded to Loret de Mola’s reporting with a video filled with insults and threats. He admitted to enjoying “corridos,” a genre of Mexican folk music often dedicated to drug traffickers, stating, “I like the corridos just like the government likes the corridos of the capos, what’s the problem?” according to reports from Latinus. This statement has drawn criticism, suggesting a tacit acceptance of criminal influence within certain political circles.
The initial exposure came after video surfaced showing Segura at a private party requesting that the band Los Alegres del Barranco perform “El Dueño del Palenque,” a song specifically composed in honor of “El Mencho.” The band reportedly refused, fearing repercussions, but Segura was seen attempting to sing the song himself. El Universal reported that Segura offered to sing the song himself while the band provided musical accompaniment.
A History of Legal Trouble
This is not Segura’s first encounter with the law. In August 2025, he was arrested by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) on charges of organized crime, according to multiple reports. He was accused of using a hotel as a logistical center for the Guerreros Unidos cartel and of allegedly receiving four students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College on September 27, 2014 – a date linked to the disappearance of 43 students, a case that remains a national tragedy. The details surrounding his alleged involvement in the Ayotzinapa case are still under investigation.
The incident with Los Alegres del Barranco has also reignited a broader debate about “narcocorridos” and their role in Mexican society. In March 2025, a performance by Los Alegres del Barranco featuring images of “El Mencho” sparked controversy, leading to bans on such performances in several states, including Jalisco, Aguascalientes, and Morelos, as they were deemed to be glorifying criminal activity. The band performed at the Auditorio Telmex in Zapopan, Jalisco, alongside other artists, as part of a concert series called “Los señores del corrido.”
Segura’s Defense and the Debate Over “Corridos”
Segura has denied that the party was intended as a tribute to “El Mencho,” claiming in a video posted to social media that his “work is clean” and that he simply enjoys the music. He insisted that his appreciation for “narcocorridos” does not equate to being a drug trafficker. However, his explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given his prior legal issues and the explicit nature of the song he requested.
The debate over “corridos” extends beyond Segura’s case. While the genre has a long tradition in Mexican culture, its increasing focus on drug lords and criminal activity has raised concerns about its potential to normalize and even glorify violence. Some argue that banning these songs infringes on artistic expression, while others maintain that they contribute to a culture of impunity and pose a threat to public safety.
The situation highlights a growing tension between artistic freedom and the need to address the influence of organized crime in Mexican society. The government’s attempts to regulate “narcocorridos” have been met with mixed reactions, and the debate is likely to continue as long as the genre remains popular and continues to feature prominent figures from the criminal underworld.
Segura’s case is ongoing, and he is expected to respond to further questioning regarding his alleged ties to organized crime and his recent threats against journalist Carlos Loret de Mola. The Fiscalía General de la República has not yet released a statement regarding the threats, but the incident is likely to draw increased scrutiny to Segura’s past activities and his connections to the political establishment. The next step in the legal process is expected to be a formal hearing to address the allegations against Segura.
This story is developing, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below.
