Mexican authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the popular crime-fighting mayor of Uruapan, in a major breakthrough in one of the country's most high-profile political killings.

The suspect, identified as Ramon Angel "N," also known by the alias "R1," was arrested during a joint security operation in Atotonilco el Alto, located in the western state of Jalisco, officials confirmed on Thursday.

According to Mexico's Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch, the accused is believed to have led an armed criminal group linked to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's most influential organised crime syndicates.

Mayor Was Killed During Public Celebration

Carlos Manzo was shot dead in November 2025 while attending the traditional Day of the Dead celebrations with members of his family on a public street in Uruapan.

The killing triggered widespread outrage across Mexico and drew international attention, as Manzo had earned a reputation for personally participating in anti-crime operations and publicly confronting organised criminal groups.

Often seen wearing his trademark cowboy hat, the mayor gained significant popularity through videos showing him accompanying police during raids and security operations, leading many supporters to describe him as a modern-day "Robin Hood."

Authorities Link Suspect to CJNG

Security Minister Harfuch said intelligence agencies had tracked the suspect for several months before carrying out the operation.

He described the criminal network allegedly headed by Ramon Angel "N" as one of the most violent factions associated with the CJNG, operating across several municipalities in the neighbouring states of Michoacán and Jalisco.

According to the minister, the group has been involved in multiple criminal activities, including:

• Drug trafficking

• Extortion

• Contract killings

• Organised violence targeting businesses and local communities

Officials said the arrest followed months of coordinated intelligence gathering involving federal investigators and special units of the Mexican Army.

31st Arrest in the Investigation

Authorities stated that the latest arrest marks the 31st detention made in connection with the investigation into Manzo's assassination.

The government believes the operation has significantly weakened the criminal network allegedly responsible for orchestrating the attack.

Following the arrest, Mexican security forces increased their presence across the region, with soldiers and armoured vehicles deployed in and around Atotonilco el Alto.

Mayor's Widow Welcomes Breakthrough

Grecia Quiroz, the widow of Carlos Manzo and the current mayor of Uruapan, welcomed the development but said the investigation should continue.

In a statement shared on social media, she said the arrest represents an important step toward justice while stressing that the full conspiracy behind her husband's killing must still be uncovered.

She expressed confidence that investigators would continue pursuing everyone involved in planning and executing the assassination.

Violence Continues to Challenge Mexico

Uruapan lies in Michoacán, a state that has long witnessed violent confrontations involving organised criminal groups competing for control over strategic trafficking routes and extortion networks.

During his tenure, Carlos Manzo frequently criticised both the federal government led by President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Michoacán state administration, accusing them of failing to contain escalating violence.

Mexico has faced persistent security challenges since the country's war against drug cartels intensified in 2006. According to official figures, more than 130,000 people have been reported missing or disappeared during this period, with many cases linked to organised crime or security operations.

The arrest of the alleged mastermind is being viewed as one of the most significant developments in the investigation, although authorities say efforts to dismantle the wider criminal network remain ongoing.