Official arrested after she allegedly covered up mayor’s cartel-linked killing in Mexico

Updated on: October 30, 2026 / 7:05 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

Mexican authorities arrested an official allegedly linked to the killing of a mayor who was vocal about drug violence, prosecutors reported on Thursday.

Assassins killed Carlos Manzo in the city of Uruapan last November during Day of the Dead celebrations, in a case that ignited fury across Mexico last year.

Uruapan's welfare secretary Rosa Alejandra Vargas was arrested "for her probable responsibility in the crime of concealment," Michoacan state prosecutors said in a statement.

Vargas is related to several people already arrested in the case and had failed to appear when summoned by investigators, state prosecutor Israel Vega said.

Manzo, 40, had gained popularity as a crusader against organized crime in the troubled state, and his death triggered huge anti-government protests.

Investigations indicate the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) had ordered the attack on Manzo.

Authorities have so far arrested 34 people over the killing.

Manzo was among at least 13 mayors killed across Mexico in the two years since Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took office, according to an Associated Press tally based on official reports. That compares with 23 sitting mayors killed during the previous administration's six…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/