Mexican Pastor Wanted for Child Sex Abuse Captured by Border Agents in California

Authorities tracked down the fugitive after he fled to the U.S. from Mexico

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:34pm

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A former pastor from Mexico accused of sex crimes against a minor was among two fugitives captured by U.S. Border Patrol agents after fleeing to Southern California. Salvador Suazo-Garcia, who was wanted in Mexico for lewd and lascivious acts involving a child, was arrested in Lemon Grove on March 6. In a separate case, agents in Anaheim nabbed Silvia Del Rosario Torres-Castro, a Mexican national wanted for homicide.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight how some migrants labeled 'non-criminal' in the U.S. can still be wanted for serious crimes abroad. The cases also raise questions about border security and the vetting process for migrants entering the country.

The details

Suazo-Garcia originally entered the U.S. legally in May 2021, but his visa was later revoked over the child sex abuse allegations. Authorities tracked him down through cross-border intelligence sharing and arrested him while he was driving a truck. Torres-Castro entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 through the Imperial Beach area. Both fugitives were taken into custody without incident and later turned over to Mexican officials.

  • Suazo-Garcia entered the U.S. legally in May 2021.
  • Suazo-Garcia was arrested on March 6, 2026.
  • Torres-Castro entered the U.S. illegally in 2023.

The players

Salvador Suazo-Garcia

A former pastor from Mexico who was wanted in his native country for lewd and lascivious acts involving a child.

Silvia Del Rosario Torres-Castro

A Mexican national who was wanted in Mexico for homicide.

U.S. Border Patrol

The law enforcement agency that captured the two fugitives in Southern California.

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What they’re saying

“Now, thanks to our law enforcement, these two criminal illegals are back in Mexico to face justice for their crimes.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

“These dangerous criminal illegal aliens were allowed to roam American streets and make our communities less safe.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary

What’s next

The details surrounding the alleged sex crimes and homicide in Mexico were not provided, so it is unclear what the next steps will be in those cases.

The takeaway

The arrests of the two fugitives highlight the importance of cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing to apprehend individuals wanted for serious crimes in their home countries. The cases also underscore the need for thorough vetting of migrants entering the U.S. to ensure public safety.