Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Saturday that Humberto Cruz had returned to Mexico after pleading guilty in November to a misdemeanor for taking money to transport undocumented immigrants.
- Cruz’s plea agreement said deportation was a “virtual certainty,” and the Padres say they understand his U.S. work visa is revoked for up to 10 years with a chance to reapply after five, pending immigration authorities.
- Agents arrested Cruz on Oct. 28 near Lukeville, Arizona, after spotting his SUV add two passengers, and a court complaint says he admitted answering a social-media ad, knew the riders lacked documents, and expected $1,000 per person.
- The Padres placed Cruz on the minor-league restricted list in March, a status that typically halts pay and blocks access to team facilities while a player is unavailable to report.
- Cruz, ranked No. 5 in the Padres system and rehabbing from elbow surgery, issued a public apology and now faces an uncertain career path that could stall his development for years.