Grupo Firme Misses La Onda Festival—Visa Trouble Strikes Again for Latin Artists
Another music festival, another visa issue. What’s going on with international artists and U.S. entry these days?
If you were gearing up to catch Grupo Firme at Napa’s La Onda Festival on June 1, bad news hit like a sour note Friday afternoon. The beloved band from Tijuana had to pull the plug on their performance—and the reason, once again, revolves around visa complications.
The announcement dropped on social media, where the group addressed their fans in a heartfelt statement:
"Currently, the visas of Grupo Firme and the Music VIP [Entertainment] team are in an administrative process by the U.S. Embassy, a situation that makes it impossible for Grupo Firme's performance at La Onda Fest to go on as planned," they wrote via Instagram Stories.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and, above all else, the love from our U.S. fans."
Ouch. And they’re not alone.
🎶 What’s Going On With Music Visas?
Grupo Firme’s situation is just one thread in a bigger, messier tapestry. Since President Trump took office again for his second term, international performers—especially in the música Mexicana scene—have been hitting roadblocks when trying to enter the U.S. This isn’t just an isolated headache; it’s starting to look like a full-blown trend.
Let’s take a step back. In recent months, multiple high-profile Latin artists have canceled or postponed U.S. performances due to sudden visa revocations or unexplained administrative delays.
❌ Julión Álvarez: Another Artist Caught in the Chaos
Just a week before Grupo Firme’s disappointing update, Mexican superstar Julión Álvarez made headlines for a similar reason. His May 24 show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas? Canceled.
Álvarez shared his story on Instagram on May 23, saying he’d just found out his U.S. work visa had been revoked—leaving him and his band grounded, unable to make the trip. He admitted that the situation was fuzzy, lacking clear information or explanations, which left fans confused and disappointed.
“We didn’t get a warning. It was revoked, just like that,” Álvarez said, visibly frustrated.
It’s a troubling trend: Latin artists making plans, selling tickets, and then being blindsided by visa drama.
🇲🇽 Michelada Fest: Canceled Before It Even Began
Even entire festivals aren’t immune. Chicago’s Michelada Fest—a Spanish-language music bash that promised a stacked lineup of Latin American acts—was canceled altogether due to similar concerns.
Here’s what the organizers had to say:
“Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we’re no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists.”
They added that as an independent event, they simply couldn’t take the financial risk of last-minute no-shows.
The event was supposed to feature names like Grupo Firme, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Tokischa, and Luis R. Conriquez. In other words, fans were about to experience a fiery blend of Latin beats and culture. Instead? Total silence.
🚨 The Bigger Picture: Politics, Policy, and Music Collide
It’s not just delays. In early April, things got heated when the U.S. State Department actually canceled the visas of the Mexican corrido group Los Alegres del Barranco.
Why? During a March 29 concert at the University of Guadalajara, the band put an image of known drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes on a huge screen while performing their track “El Dueño del Palenque.”
This wasn’t just a slap on the wrist. The U.S. took swift action.
“I’m pleased to announce that the State Department has revoked the band members’ work and tourism visas,” said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
“In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners’ access to our country. The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.”
That statement shook up both the music and political communities—and put artists on notice.
🌍 Not Just Latin Artists: FKA twigs Cancels U.S. Dates
And before anyone assumes this issue is limited to Latin performers, think again. Even British alternative icon FKA twigs had to pull out of her North American tour, including a highly anticipated set at Coachella 2025.
Her reason? Yep, you guessed it—visa issues.
She took to Instagram to explain, citing ongoing administrative complications that made it impossible for her to make the trip. “I’m devastated to have to cancel this run of shows,” she shared.
It’s becoming clear that the problem is widespread and affecting artists across genres and countries. Whether it’s paperwork delays, tightened policies, or something deeper in the bureaucracy, the result is the same: fans lose out, artists miss their audiences, and live music suffers.
🎤 So What Now?
If you’re a music lover in the U.S., especially one who vibes with international artists, this new reality stings. What was once a guarantee—that your favorite global stars could make it to American soil for a concert—is no longer so certain.
And if you're in the business of organizing festivals or concerts? The stakes just got higher. Event planners may need to rethink lead times, build backup plans, or limit international bookings to avoid last-minute cancellations.
🔍 Final Thoughts: Music Meets Borders
At the end of the day, it’s tough watching music—which is meant to connect people—become collateral damage in a larger political shift. Whether it's Grupo Firme, Julión Álvarez, FKA twigs, or a whole festival like Michelada Fest, artists are being caught in the crosshairs of immigration policy, foreign diplomacy, and national security.
Let’s hope this is just a bump in the road and not the new normal. Because honestly, nothing beats the energy of a live concert—and no one wants their summer soundtrack to come with this many disclaimers.
🎧 TL;DR – Key Takeaways:
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Grupo Firme missed La Onda Festival (June 1) due to visa delays.
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Julión Álvarez also had to cancel a major Texas show after visa revocation.
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Michelada Fest in Chicago was canceled altogether due to artist entry uncertainty.
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The U.S. revoked visas of Los Alegres del Barranco after they featured a drug cartel image at a concert.
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Even non-Latin artists like FKA twigs have been affected by recent visa policies.
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Under Trump’s second term, these kinds of cancellations are becoming more common, raising concerns about access and freedom in the international music scene.
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