Pedro Segura: Threats, ‘El Mencho’ Song & Organized Crime Link

Former Political Candidate Threatens Journalist After Narco-Corrido Performance

Pedro Segura, a former candidate for governor in Guerrero representing the Green Party (PVEM) and the Labor Party (PT) – both allies of the ruling Morena party – has publicly threatened journalist Carlos Loret de Mola. The confrontation stems from a video circulating online showing Segura singing a song dedicated to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the former leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The incident has ignited a debate about narcoculture and political connections in Mexico.

The Incident at the Concert

The controversy began when Segura hosted a private concert featuring the band Los Alegres del Barranco. During the event, Segura requested the band perform “El Dueño del Palenque,” a corrido (narco-ballad) specifically composed about “El Mencho.” According to reports, the band initially refused, citing concerns about potential repercussions from the government. Despite the refusal, Segura reportedly took the microphone and began singing the song himself, prompting a mixed reaction from the audience. Latinus detailed the scene, noting the band’s reluctance and Segura’s insistence.

Loret de Mola’s Report and Segura’s Response

Journalist Carlos Loret de Mola subsequently aired the video on his Latinus news program, bringing the incident to national attention. In response, Segura released a video of his own, leveling a series of insults and threats against Loret de Mola. He defended his enjoyment of narcocorridos, stating, “I like corridos just as the government likes corridos of capos, what’s the problem?” El Universal reported on Segura’s aggressive response, quoting his direct challenge to the journalist.

Segura’s Legal Troubles and Prior Allegations

This incident is not Segura’s first brush with legal scrutiny. In August 2025, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) arrested Segura on charges of organized crime. He was accused of using a hotel as a logistical center for the Guerreros Unidos criminal organization and allegedly harboring students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College in 2014, a case that remains a sensitive and highly scrutinized topic in Mexico. Latinus provided details of his arrest and the accusations against him.

The Debate Over “Narcocorridos”

Segura’s actions have reignited a broader debate in Mexico regarding “narcocorridos” and their place in public life. In March 2025, several state governments, including Jalisco, Aguascalientes and Morelos, began prohibiting the performance of narcocorridos at public events, deeming them an endorsement of criminal activity. This followed an earlier incident where Los Alegres del Barranco projected images of “El Mencho” during a concert, sparking public outcry. The restrictions aim to curb the glorification of drug traffickers and reduce the influence of narcoculture.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed: Pedro Segura, a former candidate for the PVEM and PT, sang a song referencing “El Mencho” at a private event. He subsequently threatened journalist Carlos Loret de Mola in a video response. Segura was arrested in August 2025 on charges of organized crime. Several state governments have banned the performance of narcocorridos at public events.

Unclear: The full extent of Segura’s alleged connections to criminal organizations remains under investigation. Details regarding the specific charges against him beyond “organized crime” have not been fully disclosed. The precise nature of the relationship between Segura and the Morena party, beyond being allies, remains unclear.

Background: The Rise of Narcocorridos

Narcocorridos are a subgenre of the Mexican corrido tradition that emerged in the late 20th century. They typically narrate the exploits of drug traffickers, often romanticizing their lives and portraying them as folk heroes. While the genre has a long history, its popularity has surged in recent years, raising concerns about its potential to normalize and glorify criminal activity. The debate over narcocorridos reflects a broader tension in Mexican society between cultural expression and the need to address the country’s ongoing struggles with drug-related violence.