Alleged Rocky Point Plaza Boss ‘El Niño’ Arrested in Mexicali on a Fentanyl Warrant — U.S. Northern Command Shared Intel, Then Congratulated Mexico
Mexican forces arrested a man identified only as Ernesto Enrique “N,” alias “El Niño,” in Mexicali, Baja California, on Sept. 23. Mexico’s Defense Ministry describes him as the alleged plaza boss in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, the beach town many Americans know as Rocky Point, for the Sinaloa Cartel’s “Los Mayos” faction. According to reports by Infobae (Sept. 24) and Crónica (Sept. 25), the operation followed an exchange of information with U.S. Northern Command.
What authorities say
Citing the official announcement, Crónica reported that National Guard special forces arrested Ernesto Enrique “N” with the Mexican Army and the federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR). A federal judge had issued a warrant for his arrest on drug charges. Crónica said the specific charge was possession of fentanyl with intent to sell. Both outlets reported that officers seized drugs, firearms and ammunition. A second person was arrested in the same operation. Neither outlet gave quantities or named the second person.
Authorities say he also operated in Mexicali and in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Crónica reported that he allegedly took part in “drug and weapons trafficking between Mexico and the United States.” Infobae reported that the Defense Ministry linked him to a man it identified as Jesús Alexander and/or Juan José “N,” alias “El Ruso,” the leader of a criminal group called “Los Rusos.”
The U.S. role
Crónica reported that the operation came out of information shared with U.S. Northern Command and Mexican military intelligence work. After Mexico’s Security Cabinet announced the arrest, Infobae reported, Northern Command congratulated Mexican forces on X. In Spanish, the post said: “Felicitamos a nuestros socios por esta acción decisiva” (“We congratulate our partners on this decisive action”). It added that the command and Mexican security forces are still working to identify and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
Neither report says whether he faces charges in the United States. The warrant described in both reports was issued by a Mexican federal judge.
What is not known
These are government allegations. Ernesto Enrique “N” has not been convicted and is presumed innocent. Mexican authorities release only first names in criminal cases. The reports did not identify a defense lawyer, and they gave no court dates.
Sources
- Infobae, “Estados Unidos celebra captura de ‘El Niño’, jefe de plaza de Los Mayos, en operación conjunta con México,” Juan Castillo, Sept. 24, 2026.
- Crónica, “Detienen en Mexicali a ‘El Niño’, presunto jefe de plaza del Cártel del Pacífico, facción ‘Mayos’,” Diana Chávez Zea, Sept. 25, 2026.
Reported Sept. 25, 2026, from the Mexican press accounts above, which rely on official statements. The Narco Blog did not independently verify the allegations. Seizure amounts and the second detainee’s identity were not released.