Humberto Cruz Pleads Guilty, Faces 10-Year Visa Loss
humberto cruz, the San Diego Padres pitching prospect, pleaded guilty in November to a misdemeanor charge of receiving money to transport noncitizens within the United States. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison with credit for time served and reportedly self-deported to Mexico afterward.
That plea resolved a felony charge of transportation of illegal aliens for profit, which prosecutors dismissed in exchange for the misdemeanor deal. Cruz had been in the country legally with a work visa, and the Padres said he would likely lose that visa for 10 years.
Cruz’s Arizona drive
Cruz was driving a vehicle that carried two immigrants in the country illegally. He was initially driving south on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Arizona, then was spotted driving north roughly an hour later with two other passengers.
Agents were suspicious that he would not have had enough time to reach the Lukeville Port of Entry to pick up passengers. Cruz later told officials he responded to an advertisement for drivers “to pick up people for easy money,” said he was offered $1,000 per person, and said he knew “they were illegal.”
Padres and visa fallout
The case leaves Cruz in a difficult spot for his career in the United States. The Padres said he could reapply after five years if he demonstrates good behavior, but the initial outlook is a likely 10-year loss of his work visa.
Cruz addressed teammates, coaches, the organization, and fans in a statement after the plea. “To my teammates, the organization, our fans, and my family, I want to express my sincere regret for a recent lapse in judgment that has caused disappointment to many people I deeply respect.” He added, “I take responsibility for my conduct and recognize the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those who support us.”
He also said, “I will cooperate fully with the organization and any steps required of me.” For a top Padres prospect, the next step is no longer about pitch counts or a spring training assignment. It is about whether he can rebuild enough trust and legal standing to work back in the United States at all.
