Alejandro Rosales Castillo, one of the FBI's ten most wanted fugitives since 2017, was arrested in Pachuca, Hidalgo, through a joint operation between Mexican and US authorities. The suspect faces charges of first-degree murder and other serious crimes committed in 2016 in North Carolina. This arrest marks the fifth of its kind since early 2025, underscoring bilateral cooperation on security.
The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, celebrated the arrest of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, who was on the FBI's list of ten most wanted fugitives. In a post on his X account, Johnson highlighted that “cooperation, collaboration, and coordination produce real results,” emphasizing the joint commitment under President Donald Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum to strengthen security and ensure justice.
Rosales Castillo was captured on Friday in Pachuca, Hidalgo, during an operation coordinated by the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Attorney General's Office (FGR), and the FBI. Mexican authorities acted on information from the FBI, involving constant surveillance and strategic patrols until identifying the suspect by his physical characteristics. The detainee has an Interpol red notice and an arrest warrant for extradition purposes for first-degree murder, armed robbery, vehicle theft, and first-degree kidnapping.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that Rosales Castillo is wanted for the murder of his former coworker, Sandy Ly Le, 23, which occurred in 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Alejandro Rosales Castillo, one of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives since 2017, was arrested in Mexico on Friday... he will remain in custody pending extradition to North Carolina,” Patel stated, acknowledging the efforts of agencies including the Government of Mexico, the State Department, and the US Secret Service.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that this is the fifth capture from the FBI's list since early 2025, resulting from ongoing information exchange and coordinated intelligence work. Rosales Castillo, for whom the FBI offered a $250,000 reward, will remain in Mexican custody awaiting extradition.
This arrest highlights bilateral efforts to combat cross-border crime, amid increased cooperation between the two countries.
