Jalisco Judge Orders Reopening of Investigation into Luz del Mundo Leader Naasón Joaquín García for Child Trafficking and Abuse

In a significant development, a judge in Jalisco has mandated the reopening of the investigation into Naasón Joaquín García, the controversial leader of the Luz del Mundo church, who faces grave accusations including child trafficking and sexual abuse. This judicial order effectively overturns the Attorney General's Office's (FGR) previous decision to shelve the case in December 2025, during the tenure of former Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero.

The investigation's history is complex and spans decades, with initial allegations of abuse surfacing as early as 1997 against García's predecessor, Samuel Joaquín Flores. Later, in 2014, four individuals reported experiencing psychological and sexual abuse by García himself, who assumed leadership of the church that same year. These deeply troubling accusations have cast a long shadow over the organization.

García's legal battles are not confined to Mexico. In the United States, he was previously convicted in 2022 on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse, receiving a 16-year prison sentence. Despite this conviction, further federal charges concerning organized crime and sex trafficking were filed in New York in 2025, indicating the ongoing legal scrutiny he faces across borders.

The FGR's initial decision to close the investigation in Mexico had drawn sharp criticism from victims and civil society organizations, who decried it as a potential miscarriage of justice. The judge's order to reopen the case signals a renewed effort to pursue accountability for the alleged crimes and offers a glimmer of hope for those who have come forward with their testimonies. This reopening is crucial for ensuring that justice is served, particularly given the sensitive nature of the allegations and the church's significant following.