Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, confirmed on September 1, 2026, that Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias 'R5', was killed during a federal operation in Tocumbo, Michoacán. ^[1] The Secretariat of National Defense confirmed the death of Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias R5, during a shootout with federal and state forces in Tocumbo, Michoacán. ^[2] US Ambassador Ronald Johnson publicly recognized Mexican security forces for an operation in Michoacán that resulted in the death of Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez on September 2, 2026. ^[3] US Ambassador Ronald Johnson stated that the operation in Michoacán where Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias 'R5', died demonstrates what both countries can achieve when maintaining pressure on criminal organizations. ^[4] Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, also known as 'el Güicho' or 'R5', was identified as the leader of the Cartel of Los Reyes and the main coordinator of extortion against avocado producers in the region. ^[5] The United States Department of State offered a reward of three million dollars for information leading to the arrest of Barragán Chávez for drug trafficking and arms trafficking. ^[6] During the operation in the ranchería Rodeo del Pinal, one of Barragán Chávez's accomplices also died, and authorities seized two automatic rifles, ammunition, and an ATV. ^[7] Luis Enrique Barragán Chávez, alias R5 or Wicho, was identified as a leader of the Cartel of Los Reyes and assumed control of the group after the detention of Alfonso Fernández Magallón on August 1. ^[8] Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, stated that Barragán Chávez died alongside another suspected criminal member after the group attacked federal agents. ^[9] The operation was carried out by elements of the National Defense Secretariat and the National Guard, in coordination with the State Attorney General's Office and the State Police. ^[10] The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Barragán Chávez in July 2025 for alleged extortion activities against avocado producers in the Los Reyes region. ^[11] The operation was conducted by elements of the National Defense Secretariat and the National Guard in coordination with the Attorney General's Office and the Michoacán Police. ^[12]