# Arrest and legal developments of alleged CJNG leader R2 > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-authorities-arrest-cjng-leader > Updated: 2026-11-10T21:55:49.000Z. Sources: 103. Developments: 4. Mexican federal forces, including the Navy, Army special forces, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, conducted a major security operation in Zapopan, Jalisco. The operation resulted in the arrest of Rafael Alvarez Ayala, known as “R2”, a suspected leader of the “Los Rs” cell of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). During the operation, which took place in a restaurant, an armed confrontation occurred, leaving both Alvarez Ayala and a naval officer wounded. Alvarez Ayala sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and limbs and is receiving medical attention in intensive care under heavy guard. Authorities detained 20 other individuals during the operation, including Fernando Omar Farías Chávez, known as “El Fénix,” who is identified as a regional leader in Uruapan. Other detainees reportedly include an Argentine national and a US citizen from California. Some of those detained were reportedly employees of the restaurant who were prevented from leaving during the incident. Intelligence used to locate Alvarez Ayala was provided by Mexico’s National Intelligence Center and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Alvarez Ayala faces an arrest warrant for aggravated homicide in Michoacán and an additional request for extradition to the United States on drug trafficking and firearms charges. He is allegedly linked to the homicide of at least 19 people, including the former mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, who was killed in November 2025. On November 10, a judge in Jalisco granted a provisional suspension against the extradition of Alvarez Ayala, preventing his transfer to foreign authorities until a final judgment is reached. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus stated that once the suspect is medically cleared, he will be transferred to Mexico City to remain at the disposal of federal authorities. ## Claims - Rafael Alvarez Ayala, alias “R2”, was arrested in Zapopan, Jalisco. (reported by 40 sources) - Alvarez was wounded in a shootout during the arrest. (reported by 39 sources) - 19 other people were detained during the operation. (reported by 37 sources) - Alvarez has an outstanding arrest warrant for aggravated homicide in Mexico. (reported by 34 sources) - Alvarez is allegedly linked to the killing of Carlos Manzo, the former mayor of Uruapan. (reported by 32 sources) - The arrest was aided by intelligence shared by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (reported by 31 sources) - The “Los Rs” cell is allegedly linked to extortion of avocado producers. (reported by 29 sources) - Alvarez is wanted by the United States for extradition on drug trafficking and firearms charges. (reported by 28 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-10: Mexican authorities arrest alleged cartel leaders in Guanajuato and Jalisco Mexican authorities arrested Yovani Uriel ‘N’, an alleged Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel leader, and Fernando Omar ‘N’, a suspected CJNG regional leader, in separate security operations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-authorities-arrest-alleged-cartel-leaders-in-guanajuato-and-jalisco ### 2026-11-10: Mexican judge halts extradition of alleged CJNG leader ‘R2’ A Mexican judge has suspended the extradition of Rafael Álvarez ‘N’, an alleged CJNG leader, who remains hospitalized following a violent confrontation with federal forces in Guadalajara. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-judge-halts-extradition-of-alleged-cjng-leader-r2 ### 2026-11-08: Mexico arrests alleged CJNG leader Rafael Alvarez Ayala in Zapopan Mexican authorities arrested CJNG leader Rafael “R2” Alvarez Ayala and 20 others in Zapopan following a shootout aided by DEA intelligence. 75 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-authorities-arrest-cjng-leader-rafael-alvarez-ayala ### 2026-11-07: Mexican authorities arrest CJNG leader and IMSS officials in separate operations Mexican federal forces detained CJNG leader Rafael “R2” in Jalisco and several IMSS employees, including a clinic director, during coordinated operations in Veracruz. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imss-officials-detained-in-veracruz-operation --- Cite as: Arrest and legal developments of alleged CJNG leader R2. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-authorities-arrest-cjng-leader