Padres Prospect Self-Deports After Pleading Guilty to Transporting Immigrants Across Border

Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images San Diego Padres pitching prospect, Humberto Cruz , agreed to self-deport to Mexico after reaching a plea agreement tied to an immigration -related case. According to a report from The San Diego Union Tribune published on May 8, Cruz, 19, admitted to a misdemeanor count of transporting undocumented immigrants after initially facing a more serious charge that was later reduced. As part of the agreement, Cruz, who was ranked as fifth among Padres prospects, would self-deport to Mexico.

The deal will also prohibit him from obtaining a U. S. work visa for 10 years, although he may be eligible to reapply after five years if he remains in good standing.

At the time of publication, Cruz is back in Mexico. Mike McGinnis/Cal Sport Media/Newscom/The Mega Agency Cruz was arrested on October 28, 2025, in Arizona after he responded to a social media post that promised “easy money” for transporting people into the United States. Investigators said he anticipated being paid around $1,000 for every person he transported.

“I want to express my sincere regret for a recent lapse in judgment that has caused disappointment to many people I deeply respect,” he wrote in a statement shared by the Padres, per CBS Sports . Cruz added that he takes “responsibility for [his] conduct and [recognizes] the impact it has had on [his] teammates, the club, and those who support us. ” He went on to apologize to his teammates and coaches and said that he is “committed to reflecting on this moment, learning from it, and taking the appropriate steps to move forward in a positive and responsible manner.