The Speculation Behind Ernesto Barajas’s Departure from Enigma Norteño
The unexpected resignation of Ernesto Barajas, the lead vocalist of the popular group Enigma Norteño, has sent shockwaves through the regional Mexican music scene and ignited a firestorm of speculation on social media. The reasons behind his sudden exit appear to be deeply entangled with the dangerous world of cartel affiliations, a recurring theme in the genre.
Alleged Ties and Cartel Connections
🚨ERNESTO BARAJAS CANTABA #NARCOCORRIDOS PARA #LACHAPIZZA DEL CÁRTEL DE SINALOA #CDS, HOY FUE ASESINADO EN #ZAPOPAN #JALISCO.
Barajas fue fundador y vocalista del grupo #EnigmaNorteño fue baleado por #motosicarios en la colonia Arenales Tapatíos Mariano Otero en los límites con… pic.twitter.com/3sqNMhU5Mc— Corresponsales MX (@CorresponsalsMX) August 20, 2025
Online rumors quickly pointed to powerful criminal organizations as the possible force behind the move. Speculation suggests Barajas was considered a target by “la gente del sombrero,” a reference to the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG). This targeting is allegedly linked to the singer’s own boasts on his podcast, where he claimed close friendships with high-profile figures like Iván N (likely a son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán) and a leader known as “Comandante 09.”
These public admissions of association placed a target on his back. Furthermore, a threatening message surfaced in Tijuana in 2023, directly addressed to Ernesto Barajas. The message, signed by “gente de Jalisco,” warned him to stop feeling protected by the “Aquiles brothers” and explicitly stated he would not be allowed to perform there, claiming “La baja tiene dueño” (The plaza has an owner).
A Public Feud and a Stark Warning
Ernesto Barajas fue asesinado el día de hoy martes este cantante tenía mucha afinidad al grupo de “Los Chapitos” en su repertorio posee varias canciones dedicas a su líder Iván Archivaldo incluso en el video “Los Placeres de Archivaldo” carga un sombrero con las iniciales “IAG” pic.twitter.com/lSU19VlCce
— Equis 727 (@equis727) August 19, 2025
The situation intensified due to a recent public feud with fellow singer Arley Pérez, who is widely believed to be linked to the CJNG. Pérez publicly accused Barajas of attempting to sabotage his career on orders from “la gente de los Guzmán” and, more dangerously, of being an informant who passed messages between rival groups.
Pérez issued a stark on-record warning: “The day your friends find out that you are carrying messages back and forth, that day you are going to get into trouble.” This public call-out highlighted the perilous position Ernesto Barajas had put himself in by navigating relationships with warring factions. The combination of public threats and a high-profile accusation seems to have created an untenable situation, leading to his decision to step away from the spotlight for his own safety. The case of Ernesto Barajas is a stark reminder of the often-blurred lines between the corridos world and the violent realities they sometimes narrate.
