Mexico arrests suspected gang leader accused of ordering mayor's killing

MEXICO CITY, July 30 - The alleged leader of a criminal cell linked to Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been arrested for ordering the assassination of a mayor in Michoacan state, Security Minister Omar Garcia said in a post on X on Thursday.The slain mayor, Carlos Manzo of the city of Uruapan, was known for publicly criticizing the Mexican government's lack of action against crime in his region.• The detainee, identified as Ramon Angel and known by the alias "El R1," is the suspected leader of "Los Rs," a cell allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Garcia said.• The Los Rs group has engaged in extortion, homicide and drug trafficking, according to Garcia.• At least 31 people have been arrested for alleged links to the case, including a 17-year-old boy believed to have fired at the mayor who was then gunned down by security forces.• The killing, in November 2025, shocked the country and triggered protests against insecurity.• Manzo was succeeded as mayor of Uruapan by his wife, Grecia Quiroz.• Following the killing, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a plan to combat crime in the state, deploying more than 10,500 security force members. REUTERS