Mexico Arrests “R2,” Alleged Leader of “Los Rs” Linked to the Murder of Carlos Manzo; He Was Wounded in a Clash.

ByIván Evair Saldaña and César Arellano

This article by Iván Evair Saldaña and César Arellano originally appeared in the November 8, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Mexico City. The Secretariat of the Navy reported that members of the Naval Special Operations Unit (UNOPES) arrested on Sunday in Zapopan, Jalisco, Rafael “N,” alias “R2,” alleged leader of “Los Rs,” a cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who is linked to the murder of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo.

Through social media, it detailed that during the operation, in which 19 other people were arrested, there was an armed clash that left “R2” and a Navy member wounded.

“They are receiving medical attention. The situation is under control,” the Secretariat said.

The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and the Mexican Army took part in the operation, with intelligence work from the National Intelligence Center (CNI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The head of the SSPC, Omar García Harfuch, said the alleged criminal is wanted for extradition by the United States and has an arrest warrant for homicide in Michoacán. In addition, he said the criminal cell he leads is also linked to homicides, drug trafficking, attacks on authorities and extortion, mainly of avocado growers.

On the state of health of “R2,” García Harfuch said he is already “receiving medical attention,” without further detail.

“The information is preliminary and will be updated as the investigations progress,” he concluded.