U.S. Border Patrol Agents and DEA partners arrest cartel-linked illegal alien with violent criminal history, seize cocaine, cash, and firearm

ECORSE, Mich. — On Nov. 3, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Detroit Sector Intelligence Unit, with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration partners, arrested an illegal alien from Mexico with a violent criminal history and multiple prior removals from the United States in Ecorse.

Ernesto Rodriguez-Castruita, 46, who is a suspected member of the Sinaloa Cartel—a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization—has an extensive criminal history to include a prior conviction of manslaughter in Arizona and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He also has prior convictions for criminal impersonation and possession of contraband while incarcerated.

During the arrest, law enforcement seized approximately two pounds of cocaine, $100,000 in U.S. currency, and a firearm. The subject is being referred for federal prosecution on multiple felony charges and will be deported from the United States.

Pending charges include:

• Illegal alien in possession of a firearm (Felony)
• Reentry after deportation (Felony)
• Providing material support to terrorists (Felony)
• Alien previously removed, not as an arriving alien with an aggravated felony conviction
• Alien inadmissibility

"This operation is a clear example of the relentless dedication of our Detroit Sector intelligence agents and our valued law enforcement partners at the DEA," said Detroit Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jorge L. Chapa. "By removing an illegal alien with a violent criminal history and suspected ties to a transnational criminal organization, we have successfully taken dangerous narcotics, illicit currency, and a firearm off our streets. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities from those who seek to do us harm."

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