Mexican Officials Arrest Another Los Gigios Member in Sonora, Group Tied to La Mayiza Faction

In the northern Mexican state of Sonora, members of the Navy and state security forces executed an arrest warrant against a man allegedly linked to Los Gigios, a criminal cell active in Nogales and nearby areas along the Arizona border.

On Oct. 30, Mexico's Security Minister Omar García Harfuch confirmed the arrest of Martín de Jesús "N," who was wanted on charges of organized crime. According to García Harfuch, the suspect had been identified as a priority target in Sonora and is believed to be involved in drug trafficking and kidnapping.

Martín de Jesús "N," also known as "Tomate," is considered a key member of Los Gigios. According to Infobae México, the criminal group is connected to homicides against rival organizations as well as drug and human trafficking activities to the United States.

During the operation, authorities seized 31 doses of methamphetamine that the suspect was carrying.

The arrest of Martín de Jesús "N" marks the second major detention by federal forces targeting members of Los Gigios this month. Earlier in October, Francisco Ernesto Félix Romero was arrested in the city of Nogales, just a few miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Intelligence reports indicate that Félix Romero held an important position within Los Gigios, which operates under the command of Sergio Valenzuela Valenzuela, known as "El Gigio." Valenzuela has been identified as the plaza boss in Nogales for La Mayiza, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel loyal to Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

Authorities say Félix Romero was involved in drug smuggling and human trafficking operations into the United States, taking advantage of Nogales' strategic location along the border. He is wanted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on charges that include conspiracy to distribute and import cocaine and other controlled substances.

The turf war between La Mayiza and the rival faction Los Chapitos has spread beyond Sinaloa into several northern states, including Sonora. Since June 2024, multiple criminal groups have been fighting for control of trafficking routes used to move drugs, weapons and migrants into Arizona.

According to La Jornada, La Mayiza operates through cells such as Los Gigios, while Los Chapitos rely on other armed groups in Sonora, including Los Salazar and Los Matasalas. The latter is reportedly managed by sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and was formed to counter La Mayiza's growing presence in the region.

Infobae México reports that violence across Sonora has intensified in recent months amid the ongoing cartel war. Also earlier this month on Oct. 15, state officials documented a series of attacks in four different locations that left seven people dead and resulted in the arrest of four suspects.

Recent government data shows that violence in Sonora continues to rise. According to Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Sonora ranks among the states with the highest homicide rates in the country. In 2024, the state recorded an average of 52 homicides per 100,000 residents, placing it sixth nationwide, behind Colima, Morelos, Baja California, Chihuahua and Guanajuato.