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Multi-agency effort leads to the arrest of a cartel member

Release Date
Wed, 11/10/2021

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents together with Webb County Constable’s Office (WCCP2) Precinct 2 arrested a cartel member near downtown Laredo.

The incident occurred on Nov. 9, when agents received information regarding Jose Francisco Paz-Ruiz, a 23-year-old Mexican national with outstanding warrants with Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety and a member of the transnational criminal organization known as Cartel Del Noreste.  Paz-Ruiz was reportedly seen outside a residence in Laredo getting into a black pickup truck before it drove away.  WCCP2 deputies attempted to conduct a vehicle stop near Madison Street and Santa Maria Avenue when the driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.  Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) air asset maintained visual of the vehicle and locations.

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents, together with Webb County Constable Precinct 2 deputy constables apprehend a Cartel del Noreste member following a failed attempt to abscond in the Rio Grande river.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents and Webb County
Constable Precinct 2 deputy constables apprehend
Cartel del Noreste member Jose Francisco Paz-Ruiz
following a failed attempt to abscond via the Rio
Grande river.

The driver and Paz-Ruiz absconded from the vehicle under the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge and jumped into the Rio Grande River.  The driver swam back to Mexico but Paz-Ruiz was arrested.  Paz-Ruiz was processed accordingly.  WCCP2 took custody of Paz-Ruiz for the active warrants and the vehicle.

Help us keep our communities safe by taking a stand against criminal organizations and reporting them to the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Nov 10, 2021