Gabito Ballesteros was detained after performing his hit song “AMG” during a concert in Querétaro on Friday.
The 27-year-old performer was escorted off the stage during his show at the Teatro del Pueblo at the International Livestock Fair.
State officials and event organizers had reviewed his set list before to exclude tracks that glorify cartel culture, according to a statement from the fair.
Querétaro banned the public performance of narcocorridos last year, punishing violations with fines, jail time, or event suspensions.
The fair said that the intervention was meant “to protect al público, garantizar el orden y hacer cumplir la ley”.
Organizers added that the measures are not “contra la música ni contra ningún artista en lo personal”.
Prosecutors transferred him to federal authorities with four other people.
The federal authorities opened an investigation into a vehicle where a firearm was found.
The fair issued a defense of local statutes, saying: “En Querétaro está prohibida la interpretación de música que hace apología del delito en espectáculos públicos, como parte de una política de cero tolerancia a contenidos que exalten la violencia o al crimen organizado”.
The legislation enforces event suspensions, fines nearing 54,000 dollars, and bans for reoffenders.
Officials said that “La legislación local contempla la suspensión inmediata del evento”.
“We recognize that it was a poor judgment call and we sincerely regret the situation that arose”, his agent said.
The management team said, “At no time was our intention to generate controversy, discomfort, or disrespect toward the authorities and institutions”.
Jorge Álvarez Máynez, a former presidential candidate, said he sent a complaint on Saturday to the National Commission of Human Rights of Mexico concerning the treatment of Ballesteros.
The actions and the genre itself have created debate in Mexico, which has struggled with organized crime effects with pressure from the Donald Trump administration to take strong measures against cartels.
Máynez said, “No se trata de combatir las expresiones de cultura popular de lo que pasa en la vida cotidiana en México”.
“Lo que hay que combatir es el crimen organizado, la violencia y la impunidad”, Máynez said.
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