The assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez has triggered a renewed debate regarding Mexico’s security policies and the federal government’s strategy to tackle organised crime in one of the country’s most violent regions.
Manzo, 40, suffered multiple shootings on Saturday while attending Day of the Dead celebrations in Uruapan’s historic centre. He was promptly transported to a hospital, where he passed away. The gunman, who reportedly fired seven shots, was also killed on the scene. Authorities confirmed that the weapon has been linked to two prior conflicts that took place between criminal groups.
Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch stated that every line of investigation is being considered, and the government promised “zero impunity” in pursuing justice. President Claudia Sheinbaum convened an emergency security meeting following the attack and condemned the assassination in a statement on X, describing it as “vile”, and vowing all state efforts would be deployed to ensure justice.
Manzo had earned a reputation for his outspoken stance against organised crime and allegations of corruption within local and state authorities. Since taking office in September 2024, Manzo has appealed for stronger federal action, repeatedly warning that public officials in Michoacan faced constant threats from cartels. He accused state officials, including Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, of failing to contain groups such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and La Familia Michoacán, both active in the region’s lucrative avocado trade.
Despite having federal protection since December 2024, which had been reinforced in May with municipal police and 14 guard officers, Manzo has expressed fear for his life previously, often wearing bulletproof vests during public appearances. He stated that he did not want to become “just another mayor on the list” of those murdered for resisting criminal influence.
Hundreds of residents in Uruapan marched in the morning following his death, calling for justice. The crowd also voiced anger toward Sheinbaum’s Morena party, accusing it of failing to protect local leaders.
The incident addresses the continuous violence in Mioahan, involving rival cartels that compete over drug routes and control of the avocado industry. The assassination comes months after the assassinations of Tacambaro Mayor Salvador Bastidas and journalist Mauricio Cruz Solis, both linked to growing insecurity in the region.
While Sheinbaum rejected calls for militarisation, she restated her commitment to strengthening intelligence operations and addressing the root causes of violence rather than reviving the failed “war on drugs” approach.
