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Wanted Cartel Member Jose Francisco Paz-Ruiz Arrested At Texas-Mexico Border 

LAREDO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents together with Webb County Constables arrested cartel member Jose Francisco Paz-Ruiz near downtown Laredo.

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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. (credit: Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents and Webb County)

Paz-Ruiz was taken into custody on Nov. 9. The 23-year-old Mexican national had outstanding warrants with Webb County Sheriff's Office and Texas Department of Public Safety and is allegedly a member of the transnational criminal organization known as Cartel Del Noreste.

Paz-Ruiz was reportedly seen outside a home in Laredo getting into a black pickup truck before it drove away. 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 air asset maintained visual of the vehicle and locations.

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.

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