San Ysidro, California — Authorities are intensifying their search for a 4-year-old girl after her father, who is suspected of murdering the child’s mother, abandoned his vehicle near the U.S.-Mexico border and vanished with her.

Ruben Fregoso, 40, and his daughter Daleza Fregoso were last captured on surveillance footage walking together in a parking garage at the San Ysidro border crossing area. The footage shows Ruben carrying a bag while walking with the young girl.

The white 2019 Land Rover Discovery previously associated with the Amber Alert was located abandoned near the border, but Daleza remains missing.

“A father suspected of murdering his child’s mother has vanished with his 4-year-old daughter after abandoning his vehicle at the Mexican border,” officials stated in an update. The pair were last seen in the surveillance footage as the Amber Alert continues into its second day.

The Amber Alert was first issued Monday evening after Daleza was reported abducted. She was last seen with her father around 4 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, near Alsace Avenue and Ferndale Street in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw/Arlington Heights district.

Suspect and Victim Background Ruben Fregoso is wanted in connection with the homicide of the child’s mother, whose body was discovered inside a residence in the area. He allegedly fled the scene with Daleza shortly after the incident.

Descriptions:

• Daleza Fregoso: 4 years old, about 3 feet tall, 45 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt.
• Ruben Fregoso: Approximately 5’9″, 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was seen in the surveillance image wearing a black vest over a white shirt, light-colored pants, and a cap.

Law enforcement believes the suspect may be attempting to cross into Mexico. The alert has been expanded across Southern California, with particular focus on border areas.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Daleza or Ruben Fregoso is urged to contact authorities immediately by calling 911. Do not approach the suspect if seen.

This remains an active and developing investigation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.