Uruapan, Mexico, November 20, 2025
Jorge Armando “N,” known as “The Graduate,” has been arrested as the alleged mastermind behind the November 1 assassination of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán. Officials say the arrest follows an extensive investigation into cartel-linked violence targeting local leadership.
Jorge Armando “N” is identified as a principal intellectual author and leader of the criminal cell that executed the attack on Manzo during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Authorities report that he coordinated the operation using WhatsApp communications.
The arrested suspect is connected to a faction of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), recognized as one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. This cartel’s influence has deeply affected Uruapan, which remains a hotspot in the ongoing territorial conflicts among rival groups.
Federal and state agencies conducted weeks of intelligence operations leading to the arrest. Investigators indicate that additional arrests are anticipated as inquiries continue to dismantle the network responsible.
Carlos Manzo was fatally shot at a crowded public event while vocally opposing cartel intimidation and violence. He had criticized the pressures exerted on local avocado producers by organized crime, placing him at heightened risk. His killing triggered nationwide protests, shining a spotlight on the security challenges faced by local authorities confronting entrenched criminal groups.
Uruapan’s strategic importance, both economically and geographically, has made it a critical battleground for cartel dominance. The mayor’s assassination underscores the dangers public officials face in regions plagued by cartel violence.
The arrest of Jorge Armando “N” represents a key development in Mexico’s efforts to curtail organized crime’s grip on the region. It signals the government’s commitment to protecting elected officials and addressing the intersection of political leadership and cartel violence that severely impacts governance and public safety.