Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Leading Smuggling Ring

Corpus Christi, Texas – A ruthless smuggling operation led by a Mexican national has reached its end as Edgar Ruiz-Briones, 40, a resident in Houston who resides here illegally, pleaded guilty to leading a conspiracy that transported over 100 aliens into the United States. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the charges against Ruiz-Briones.

Ruiz-Briones orchestrated the transportation of illegal aliens across the southern border from Mexico, recruiting drivers as far away as Kansas to assist in his sinister endeavor. The drivers were instructed by Ruiz-Briones to communicate directly with him for trip details, updates, and drop-off points within Houston following successful smuggling runs.

Over an 18-month period, Ruiz-Briones facilitated the entry of aliens into the country, handling payments for their passage and compensating his drivers. The investigation revealed a well-oiled machine, with illegal aliens picked up from various stash houses and transported to Houston where they met with Ruiz-Briones before moving deeper into the U.S.

An alien himself, having been removed from the United States on multiple occasions, Ruiz-Briones also pleaded guilty to his own illegal reentry into the country. His own journey back to the U.S. was in violation of the law and set the stage for his reign of terror through human smuggling.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will decide on sentencing on October 30, where Ruiz-Briones faces up to 10 years for alien smuggling conspiracy and 20 years for illegal re-entry. He remains in custody until that date.

The investigation was carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is handling the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide effort to combat illegal immigration and protect communities from violent crime.

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