The arrest of Diego Rivera Navarro, mayor of Tequila, Jalisco, for alleged ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has sparked a political scandal highlighting organized crime infiltration in local Morena governments. This action, part of Operation Enjambre launched in November 2024, marks the sixth such detention of a Morena mayor in recent months. President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied systemic collusion, dismissing external critiques as 'science fiction,' as the party pledges stricter candidate vetting for future elections.
The arrest of Diego Rivera Navarro, mayor of Tequila, Jalisco, took place last week and has uncovered an extortion scheme targeting breweries and tequileras, with a commitment to deliver 40 million pesos annually to the CJNG, led by El Mencho. Along with him, three municipal officials were detained: directors of Public Security, Cadastre, and Public Works. This operation is part of Enjambre Operation, a federal-state coordination that since November 2024 has led to dozens of arrests for extortion, homicide, kidnapping, and criminal ties.
Sheinbaum responded to a New York Times article questioning collusion between cartels and Morena, calling it 'science fiction' and stating: 'We wouldn't have the results we have if there was collusion with crime.' She recalled the case of Genaro García Luna, former Security Secretary convicted in the U.S. for ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, to contrast with previous administrations. However, analysts note that the detention confirms a structural issue: at least 44 sitting mayors face credible allegations of collusion, with the CJNG implicated in 18 cases, mainly in Michoacán, Morelos, Chiapas, Jalisco, and Guerrero.
Additionally, seven sitting governors face similar accusations. The action is seen as a response to U.S. pressures under Donald Trump, who demands action against 'narcopoliticians.' Morena has announced it will strengthen filters for 2027 candidacies, acknowledging prior process failures. This case is not isolated; in the State of Mexico, the operation has led to arrests of PRD and MC mayors linked to La Familia Michoacana.
The detention sends a 'whoever falls, falls' message but highlights the governance paradox: fighting crime requires dismantling networks that sustain local power. Experts like Eduardo Guerrero Gutiérrez warn that all parties have overlooked this phenomenon, though Morena's growth makes it more vulnerable. Sheinbaum has extradited capos and destroyed labs, but calls persist for deeper purges to avoid risks in T-MEC renegotiation.
