Mexico’s federal government announced on Wednesday (November 19th) that they have arrested the mastermind behind the planning and ordering of the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan. Manzo was publicly shot at a “Day of the Dead” celebration earlier this month, sparking national uproar and triggering large-scale street protests.
Uruapan, where Manzo served as mayor, is located in Michoacán, a state known globally for its avocado production but has long been plagued by violence from drug cartels and gangs.
On November 1st, Manzo was shot at close range by gunmen while accompanying his family in a parade during the Day of the Dead festivities in the city center. He had criticized the federal government multiple times for its inaction against organized crime, calling for stronger security measures, even patrolling the streets wearing a bulletproof vest.
The arrested man was identified as Jorge Armando N., as per Mexican legal custom of releasing only the first name and first letter of the last name. He is believed to be one of the masterminds behind the plot and also the leader of the criminal group responsible for carrying out the assassination.
Investigations revealed that he was part of a criminal organization in Michoacán that collaborated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). They used encrypted communication groups to surveil, track the mayor, and eventually carry out the attack.
At a press conference, Mexico’s Minister of Security, Omar García Harfuch, stated that the police found an encrypted messaging group on a phone of a previously arrested suspect, which was crucial in solving the case. Additionally, two suspects were found dead on November 10th, suspected of being silenced to impede the investigation’s progress.
Following Manzo’s assassination, massive protests erupted in Uruapan and several cities, with people carrying white flowers and banners mourning the mayor’s death and accusing the government of failing to curb gang violence. The wave of demonstrations spread to Mexico City, with various groups joining in solidarity, demanding security policy reforms from the federal government and intensified efforts to combat organized crime.
In response to the strong local discontent over deteriorating security, President Claudia Sheinbaum swiftly escalated actions by federal intervention to maintain law and order. Over 10,500 security forces were deployed to Michoacán, focusing on combating local gangs linked with extortion networks and drug-trafficking cartels across the states, while setting up checkpoints and temporary command posts in high-risk areas.
Several suspects have been arrested or killed in pursuit operations, including a minor, although the motive for the assassination has not been disclosed yet. Manzo’s wife has taken over as the mayor of Uruapan in accordance with the procedures.
Michoacán has long been plagued by cartel violence, with local farmers frequently extorted, including avocado and lime growers. Last month, Bernardo Bravo, a prominent lime grower leader who publicly denounced gang extortion, was also killed.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced in Michoacán and emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive security reforms to tackle organized crime and ensure the safety of the region’s residents and officials.