At Least 13 Mexican Mayors Accused of Organized Crime Ties During Current Administration

Mexico City, Mexico — At least 13 mayors across Mexico face allegations of organized crime links or other crimes during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, with recent arrests adding to a growing list of municipal leaders under investigation.

The arrest of Tequila, Jalisco Mayor Diego N. marks the latest case, following coordinated operations targeting municipal officials in several states. Authorities detained Diego N. along with the municipal public security director, the director of cadastre and property tax, and the public works director.

Omar García Harfuch, head of the Public Security and Citizen Protection Department (SSPC), announced the arrest on social media, stating it resulted from “Operation Swarm” and citizen complaints. The operation involved coordination between the Mexican Army, Mexican Navy, Federal Prosecutor’s Office, SSPC, and the National Intelligence Center.

Diego N. faced citizen complaints alleging corruption and extortion practices, including an ongoing dispute with the José Cuervo company, which accused his administration of unjustifiably increasing property taxes at its Tequila plant.

Four mayors were detained as part of Operation Swarm, a federal initiative targeting extortion in the State of Mexico and surrounding areas. Among them was Santo Tomás Mayor Pedro Luis N., known as “Wicho,” accused of extortion and alleged ties to the Familia Michoacana cartel. Authorities also sought his wife, María del Rosario N., a former Santo Tomás mayor, who escaped initial capture but was later arrested in Metepec.

Another Operation Swarm case involved former Amanalco Mayor María Elena N., detained in November 2024 for her alleged involvement in the murder of official Miguel Ángel Lara and his bodyguard. Authorities determined she had a political conflict with the official and allegedly enlisted Familia Michoacana members to carry out the attack. She received a 70-year prison sentence.

Beyond Operation Swarm, other cases include former Teuchitlán, Jalisco Mayor José N., arrested in 2025 by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for his alleged connection to the Izaguirre Ranch case, identified as a training ground for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The Federal Prosecutor’s Office charged him with organized crime and omission, alleging he was notified of illicit activities on the property but failed to act.

El Grullo, Jalisco Mayor Mónica Marín Buenrostro faces scrutiny from financial authorities over possible money laundering connections, though no formal investigation has been opened.

In Chiapas, authorities detained then-Cintalapa Mayor Ernesto N. on January 5, investigating him for alleged abuse of authority, corruption, and possible criminal group links. The same operation captured interim Frontera Comalapa Mayor José Antonio N. following the disappearance of Tuxtla Gutiérrez Mayor-elect Aníbal Roblero Castillo. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office accused José Antonio N. of forced disappearance, homicide, aggravated extortion, corruption, misappropriation of funds, and alleged ties to the so-called Chiapas and Guatemala Cartel.

Also in Chiapas, authorities arrested Bella Vista Mayor Rosenberg N. in early 2025 while he traveled on the Tuxtla Gutiérrez-Ciudad Cuauhtémoc highway, charging him with abuse of authority. Former Solistahuacán Mayor José Luis N. was detained, disqualified from public office for 10 years, and ordered to return over 14 million pesos to the municipal treasury.

In Michoacán, Coalcomán Mayor Anabel Ávila Castrejón faced accusations in December 2024 of CJNG links after publicly thanking cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho,” for delivering toys and gifts to municipal children. The Michoacán state congress approved a political trial against her in March 2025, suspended in December of that year.

In Puebla, authorities detained former Cuautempan Mayor Gerardo N. on February 4, 2026, in Tlaxcala territory after months as a fugitive. He faces investigation for alleged drug trafficking and extortion, including accusations of demanding two vehicles and 850,000 pesos in cash from a victim.

Former Apulco, Zacatecas Mayor Mauro Yuriel N. was arrested in July 2025 after being removed from office in October 2024. Authorities accuse him of alleged links to Gerardo N., alias “El Geras,” identified as a CJNG commander.