Authorities Detain Welfare Official in Connection with Uruapan Murder Investigation

The investigation into the assassination of Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, the former mayor of Uruapan, has resulted in the detention of another official from the municipal government. Rosa Alejandra Vargas Rauda, who served as the municipal secretary of welfare, was arrested for her alleged involvement in covering up the crime as part of ongoing efforts to solve the homicide that took place on November 1, 2025.

With this latest apprehension, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the murder and the activities that facilitated the attack has reached 34. Authorities have targeted individuals accused of directly participating in the crime, monitoring the movements of the late mayor, or supplying information to organized crime syndicates.

Following the arrest, Mayor Grecia Quiroz questioned the direction of the investigation, accusing the Michoacán State Attorney General's Office of attempting to dismantle her administration and the Independent Hat Movement. The widow of Carlos Manzo urged that the case not be exploited for political and electoral purposes, stating that she is the most interested party in seeing the case clarified. She also affirmed that her administration remains willing to cooperate with authorities and will support lawful actions.

Investigators are currently reviewing ties between the detained official and other suspects in the case. Reports indicate that Vargas Rauda is the mother of Alejandro, known as "El Macas," a former member of the mayor's security detail who was previously arrested for his alleged involvement in the events.

Furthermore, investigators noted that she is the aunt of Christian, known as "El Vikingo," and Alexis, known as "El Brilloso," both of whom have been linked to a cell belonging to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Officials are examining possible connections between these family members and the planning of the assassination, though authorities noted that familial relation alone does not prove participation in the crime.

The inquiry has also affected other public servants and security personnel, including a former member of the Uruapan Regional Prosecutor's Office and a Civil Guard agent, both accused of leaking information to criminal groups. Meanwhile, the state attorney general's office maintains that the primary line of investigation points to organized crime retaliation and has ruled out a political motive as the progress of the case continues.