U.S. border officials turn over fugitive in Sonora triple killing

A Mexican man wanted in Sonora for his role in a drug-related kidnapping and triple murder was deported and turned over to Mexican authorities.

Roberto Garcia-Castillon, aka “El Robi,” 47, was repatriated through Nogales Wednesday and transferred to the Mexican Procuradaria General de la Republica, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a news release.

A warrant issued by Mexican authorities in January alleges Garcia is one of six people who kidnapped and murdered three brothers — Javier Mendoza-Lopez, Jesus Mendoza-Lopez and Armando Mendoza-Lopez — in a drug-related ambush in September 2011. Garcia fled following the killing.

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In December 2014 Garcia was arrested by Tucson police on local charges. Once at the Pima County jail, ICE put an immigration hold on him and he was turned over to the federal agency in May.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations has deported more than 1,150 foreign fugitives wanted in their native countries for serious crimes, the agency said.

People with information about foreign fugitives can call 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199.