CDMX — Mexican federal agents captured a man in Tijuana, Baja California, identified as a member of a Sinaloa Cartel faction, who is accused of human trafficking and the kidnapping of migrants and has an arrest warrant in the United States. The cartel operator was detained on Wednesday, and placed at the disposal of the Public Ministry.

Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, identified the detainee as José Alberto Leyva Acosta, alias “Beto Leyva.” García Harfuch said he belonged to the close circle of brothers René and Alfonso Arzate García, who lead the faction, which has a presence in Sinaloa, Baja California and Durango.

The brothers are known as “La Rana” and “El Aquiles.”

Some outlets, including the EFE wire service, describe Leyva as a faction leader, but the official account places him as a trusted operator of the brothers who lead it.

According to the investigation, Leyva coordinated human smuggling from Tijuana to San Diego and San Ysidro, California, and was linked to kidnappings of migrants, with ransom demanded from their relatives in the United States in exchange for release.

Authorities also tie him to businesses used to launder money for the organization and to a network that obtained weapons and stolen vehicles in the United States.

U.S. Warrant

Leyva has an active federal arrest warrant issued by the U.S. Marshals Service. According to reports, it stems from his failure to appear in federal court proceedings, after a 2007 arrest by the U.S. Border Patrol in California for smuggling undocumented foreigners.

The Operation

The raid was led by the Defense Ministry, the National Guard and the Attorney General’s criminal investigation agency. The Security Ministry and the Navy also took part.

García Harfuch said the operation involved intelligence from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Authorities have not said what charges Leyva faces in Mexico, when he will appear before a judge, or whether the United States will request his extradition.

The U.S. Marshals warrant raises the possibility of a transfer, but none has been announced. Mexican media identified him with the customary “José Alberto ’N’” in official communications, while other outlets use his full name.