Facundo Jones Huala was arrested again for inciting crime in Río Negro

Facundo Jones Huala, a leader of the Mapuche Ancestral Resistance (RAM), was detained again over the weekend in the town of El Bolsón, Río Negro province. The arrest was confirmed by the National Ministry of Security and was carried out following a report of advocating criminal activity.

The detention took place more than five months after his previous release, which occurred in January 2024. Back then, he was also caught by security forces attempting to open vehicles near an area affected by fires.

Patricia Bullrich confirmed the detention

The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, officially announced the operation through her social media: "Jones Huala detained again by law enforcement. RAM is a violent and terrorist organization. With us, there is no impunity."

Bullrich also emphasized that the national government keeps a firm security policy in the Patagonian region. "Southern Argentinians deserve to live in peace and this time he shouldn't be released," she stressed.

Advocating criminal activity and resisting authority

According to the National Director of Regulations and Judicial Liaison, Fernando Soto, Jones Huala's recent detention was the result of a report for advocating criminal activity. "Jones Huala commits acts of terrorism, identifies as Mapuche, but sets forests on fire and doesn't recognize the Argentine State," he stated.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when the security monitoring system detected a person acting suspiciously at the intersection of Avenida Sarmiento and Azcuénaga. According to the statement from the Río Negro government, the suspect was attempting to force open the doors of two vehicles.

Officers from Unit 12 intercepted him about 100 meters (328 feet) from the scene. "He reacted violently, shouting protests and attacking the officers with punches and kicks," the official report detailed.

The provincial government celebrated the arrest

The governor of Río Negro, Alberto Weretilneck, spoke out on social media after the operation: "The Río Negro Police demonstrated firmness and efficiency. Facundo Jones Huala was detained in El Bolsón while attempting to steal vehicles in the city center. An individual with a long criminal record who is once again behind bars."

Despite his subsequent release by judicial decision, the Mapuche leader was arrested again in recent hours, as part of an ongoing case.

Connection to recent attacks

Jones Huala's profile returned to public prominence after the governor of Chubut, Ignacio "Nacho" Torres, reported an attack at the "Amancay" ranch, which was destroyed by an intentional fire. The incident took place near Los Alerces National Park, where the Mapuche group Lof Paillako was recently evicted.

Torres linked the incident to acts of sabotage: "These types of attacks are not random. They are carried out by the same criminals as always."

In February, Jones Huala presented his book Entre Rejas, Incendiary Antipoetry, in which he defends sabotage against "the infrastructure of the capitalist system, transnationals, and landowners." Although he denied that RAM was behind the recent fires, he stated that he supports them.