FBI Director Kash Patel revealed on Friday that a fugitive from the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, charged with a heinous murder in 2016, has been extradited to Charlotte, North Carolina, to stand trial. This marked a significant moment for law enforcement, as two fugitives from the notorious list were brought back to the United States within mere hours of each other.

Authorities apprehended Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo in Mexico last week for the slaying of his former colleague, 23-year-old Truc Quan “Sandy” Ly Le. Castillo had evaded capture for nearly ten years, according to Patel during a press briefing in Charlotte on Friday afternoon.

The FBI worked closely with Mexican officials to facilitate Castillo’s transfer into the custody of law enforcement in Charlotte.

Patel shared this development just hours after arriving in Los Angeles to oversee the extradition of another high-profile fugitive, ex-Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, also featured on the Ten Most Wanted list.

FBI Director Kash Patel discusses the extradition of Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo to Charlotte on Friday, January 23, 2026. (WJZY)

“We’ve had so many more great successes because of the leadership and the dedication and commitment and the resources given to law enforcement by President Trump and this administration,” Patel said at the news conference. 

“It is truly a historic moment when you can deliver not one, but two of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives in one single day. I don’t believe that’s ever happened before, and I’m not sure if it’ll ever happen again.”

Castillo was arrested in Mexico Jan. 16. (Getty Images; FBI)

Ly Le’s body was discovered in a wooded area of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in August 2016. 

Her vehicle was later found abandoned at a bus station in Phoenix, Arizona, and video showed Castillo crossing the U.S.-Mexico border from Nogales, Arizona, the following day, according to Patel.

A federal arrest warrant was issued in February 2017. 

Castillo was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list Oct. 24, 2017, according to the FBI.

Castillo was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list Oct. 24, 2017, according to the FBI. (FBI)

“Sandy Ly Lee was a first generation college graduate who had her whole life ahead of her,” Patel posted to X. “Her family will never get their daughter back — but I hope today can help further the healing process and bring them peace in knowing that her alleged killer will face justice. It’s a huge day for law and order in America.

“Harm American citizens, and justice will find you.”

During the press conference, Patel also urged the public to show support for law enforcement officers.

“The one thing I ask of you guys in your communities is thank these folks here,” Patel said. “They do the work day in and day out, and they barely get credit for it. 

“We will always be behind law enforcement because you protect our children, you safeguard our communities.”