Overview
- Cruz pleaded guilty in November 2025 to a misdemeanor tied to illegal entry, which ended a felony case and brought a 30-day sentence with credit for time served.
- Border Patrol agents arrested him in October 2025 near Lukeville, Arizona, after finding two undocumented Mexican nationals in his SUV.
- Investigators say he told agents he answered a social-media ad offering easy money and expected $1,000 per passenger to transport people.
- He voluntarily returned to Mexico and lost his U.S. work visa for up to 10 years, with a chance to reapply after five years if he shows good conduct.
- The Padres placed him on the restricted list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, a setback that pauses the career of a 2024 signee who received about $750,000.