The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, publicly recognized the Mexican authorities for the capture of Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, alias “El R1”, identified as the alleged mastermind of the murder of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo.
The head of the DEA, Terry Cole, congratulated the Security Cabinet of the Government of Mexico for the arrest of the alleged leader of the criminal cell “Los Rs”, linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and highlighted the coordinated work between Mexican institutions to achieve his capture.
The recognition drew attention because it occurs after several weeks of tensions between both countries regarding security.
According to the weekly Proceso, the DEA's message represents a gesture of support for bilateral cooperation, in contrast to the recent disagreements derived from statements and differences on collaboration between US and Mexican agencies.
The United States ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, joined the congratulations, stating that the capture of “El R1” reflects the shared commitment of both governments to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Through his social networks, the diplomat pointed out that the arrest demonstrates that cooperation between the security agencies of Mexico and the United States continues to produce results in the fight against organized crime.
Álvarez Ayala was arrested in an operation carried out by federal forces and is identified as the leader of “Los Rs”, a cell of the CJNG that operated mainly in Michoacán.
Mexican authorities identify him as the alleged mastermind of the murder of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, murdered in November 2025.
According to the investigation by the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, “El R1” would have ordered and financed the attack against the then mayor, one of the cases with the greatest political and security impact recorded in Michoacán in recent years.
