NOGALES Ariz. — An Arizona man was sentenced Nov. 9 to 40 months in federal prison for illegally transporting migrants for profit. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol agents from the Sonoita Station investigated this case.
“Pure financial greed and an attempt to evade law enforcement are the reasons why this defendant is now serving over three years in prison,” said HSI Arizona Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “Let this be a lesson to those who think participating in human smuggling is not a crime — it’s not only illegal, but dangerous. You will be caught and brought to justice.”
Jesus Moises Ruiz Jr., 34, of Rio Rico, pleaded guilty Aug. 31 to one count of transportation of illegal aliens for profit.
On Feb. 20, U.S. Border Patrol agents pursued Ruiz while he was driving a gray Chevrolet pickup truck on state Route 90. Ruiz accelerated to a high speed and merged on Interstate 10. He exited I-10 and, with help from air support, agents found and apprehended him after a lengthy pursuit.
Five undocumented noncitizens exited Ruiz’s vehicle during the pursuit and were later found by agents.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Tucson prosecuted the case.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HIS’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
