From El Mencho to R2: Mexico’s offensive against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Rafael “R2” Álvarez Ayala, a senior leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was arrested in Zapopan after a shootout outside a restaurant. He and 19 others were detained; R2 and a Mexican Navy member were wounded. The operation is part of a widening campaign against the cartel, which analysts say has become Mexico’s main security target amid pressure from the United States.

R2 was allegedly the CJNG’s chief in the area and remained in hospital after surgery. His arrest follows the February 2026 death of cartel founder Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes and several other senior figures’ arrests during the year. Security consultancy Lantia Intelligence estimates the CJNG has about 122 subordinate or allied groups, while Mexican authorities say information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration helped locate R2.