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Sonora Captures 'El Chino Arce,' Suspected Los Salazar Cell Leader Linked to 2023 Quinceañera Massacre

Prosecutors credit coordinated intelligence with biometric identification for the arrest.

Overview

  • The detainee faces five active arrest warrants issued by Sonora’s state prosecutor’s office.
  • Authorities link him to the Dec. 29, 2023 attack at a Ciudad Obregón XV años party that left eight dead and 26 injured.
  • FGJES worked with the state investigative agency and Mexico’s Navy, using tattoo analysis and distinctive physical traits to verify his identity.
  • Officials had offered a 500,000‑peso reward, and reports indicate he fled to Chihuahua under a false identity.
  • He is also accused of qualified homicides, attempted homicides, aggravated illegal deprivation of liberty and criminal association allegedly committed in 2024–2025, as local insecurity remains high with 88% of adults feeling unsafe and the Cajeme mayor denying police collusion.