Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced on April 16 that Ruben Salgado-Espinoza was sentenced to 169 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and illegally re-entering the United States after removal.
The case is significant as it involved the largest cocaine seizure in Green Bay history and highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat large-scale drug trafficking operations. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin contributes to community safety across Eastern Wisconsin through public service efforts, according to the official website.
Court records show that Salgado-Espinoza, a twice-deported Mexican national, led a major drug trafficking organization from Rockford, Illinois. He received bulk shipments of cocaine from Mexico and used vehicles with hidden compartments—known as "trap cars"—to transport drugs. On April 22, 2025, he was arrested during an undercover operation in Green Bay with about 30 kilograms of cocaine. Following his arrest, he admitted to distributing between 18 and 35 kilograms of cocaine per month over the previous year and a half.
Salgado-Espinoza had previously been removed from the United States in both 1998 and 2002 but unlawfully returned each time. After serving his sentence, he will be removed again to Mexico. Schimel said, “this case demonstrates why we must keep our border secure. The United States twice deported this defendant, and he came back again, bringing with him the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in the history of the Green Bay area... Hopefully this time we will ensure he never returns.”
John McGarry of the Drug Enforcement Administration Milwaukee District Office said: “This sentence sends a clear message: those who lead large-scale drug trafficking operations will be identified, prosecuted, and held accountable... The DEA remains steadfast in working with our partners to dismantle these organizations and protect our communities.”
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin is part of the U.S. Department of Justice and serves as a federal prosecutorial entity responsible for ensuring public safety and delivering impartial justice throughout Eastern Wisconsin according to its official website (source). It works alongside federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners—including offices based in Milwaukee and Green Bay—to enhance community safety (source).
This case was investigated by several agencies including multiple divisions within DEA as well as local task forces; prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Alex Duros.
