Francisco Manuel Romero Carranza, a high-priority target known as “El Meny,” died during an armed confrontation in the town of San Antonio, Sonora, on October 23, 2026. According to the state’s Security Cabinet, the clash occurred after federal and state forces were fired upon during an intelligence-led operation, Infobae reported.
Operation in San Antonio
The tactical deployment involved elements of the Mexican Navy (Semar), the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection (SSPC), and the Sonora Attorney General’s Office (FGJES). Authorities utilized two helicopters and an aircraft to support ground teams from the Navy. When the forces arrived in the vicinity of San Antonio, they were met with gunfire and returned fire, resulting in the death of Romero Carranza.
Four individuals accompanying Romero Carranza were detained during the operation. Authorities seized five long guns, two handguns, 45 magazines of various calibers, four vehicles, three ballistic vests, and a quantity of marijuana. The detainees and the confiscated items were transferred to the public prosecutor’s office to determine their legal status.
Romero Carranza Escaped from Cereso 2 Prison
Romero Carranza had been a fugitive since July 11, 2026, when he escaped from the Cereso 2 prison in Hermosillo. Following his escape, the Sonora Attorney General’s Office offered a reward of one million pesos for information leading to his capture. He had been identified as the second-in-command of “Los Fantasmas,” a criminal group operating in northern Sonora, including the municipalities of Sáric, Tubutama, Trincheras, Santa Ana, Altar, and Magdalena de Kino.
Reports indicate that Romero Carranza had previously served under Saúl Francisco Hernández Tenorio, alias “El Fantasma,” the leader of the organization. However, later accounts suggested he had separated from that structure to join a rival cell. “El Fantasma” himself escaped from the Cereso 1 prison in Hermosillo on May 4, 2025, just 40 days after his initial arrest. That escape led to the detention of six public officials, including the coordinator of the state penitentiary system and the prison’s commander.
Status of Remaining Fugitives
While the death of Romero Carranza marks the end of the search for him, authorities continue to pursue other high-profile escapees who fled alongside him in July. Two individuals, Omar Milán Tena, also known as “El Mike,” and Paúl Alexis Téllez Olguín, known as “El Güero,” remain at large.
The Sonora Attorney General’s Office maintains an active reward of one million pesos for information leading to the apprehension of each man. Both fugitives face serious charges, including homicide, association with organized crime, and drug-related offenses. The investigation into the July 11 prison break also resulted in the arrest of four prison staff members, including guards and surveillance supervisors, on charges of aggravated evasion of prisoners.
What Is the Status of the Prison Escape Investigation?
What is the current status of the investigation into the prison escapes?
Four prison employees were arrested following the July 11, 2026, escape of Romero Carranza and his associates. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to locate the two remaining fugitives, Omar Milán Tena and Paúl Alexis Téllez Olguín.
Which criminal group was Romero Carranza associated with?
He was identified by authorities as the second-in-command of “Los Fantasmas,” a group operating in northern Sonora that serves as an armed wing of “Los Salazar.” Reports suggest he had shifted his loyalties to a rival cell prior to his death.
How many fugitives are still being sought by the FGJES?
Two men, Omar Milán Tena and Paúl Alexis Téllez Olguín, remain at large with active warrants for their arrest. The state continues to offer a one-million-peso reward for information leading to the capture of each individual.
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