A Mexican national residing illegally in Houston has admitted to leading a smuggling organization and reentering the United States unlawfully, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Edgar Ruiz-Briones, 40, was identified as the leader of a group responsible for arranging transportation for illegal aliens crossing the southern border from Mexico. He recruited drivers from locations as distant as Kansas to transport individuals from stash houses in the Rio Grande Valley to Houston.
Drivers coordinated directly with Ruiz-Briones, providing updates and setting meeting points for drop-offs in Houston. After successful operations, they met with him before continuing further into the United States. Ruiz-Briones managed payments both from those entering the country and to his recruited drivers.
Over an 18-month period, he facilitated the entry and transportation of over 100 individuals into the United States. Despite being deported multiple times, Ruiz-Briones also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the country.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 30 by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. Ruiz-Briones could face up to 10 years in federal prison for alien smuggling conspiracy and an additional 20 years for illegal reentry.
Ruiz-Briones remains in custody until sentencing. The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting this case, which falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations through coordinated efforts by various Department of Justice entities.
