Family ties run deep in Chicago Fire, and for Joe Cruz (played by Joe Miñoso), protecting his loved ones has always been at the core of his character. This unwavering loyalty led to a life-altering decision back in Season 1 when Cruz allowed gang leader Flaco to perish in a fire to shield his younger brother, Leon. Now, in Season 13, Cruz finds himself grappling with the fallout of that choice. According to Miñoso, fans can look forward to seeing Jeff Lima reprise his role as Leon Cruz as the storyline continues to unravel.
Leon Cruz to Play a Key Role in Season 13
The recent reappearance of Flaco’s cousin, Junior (Richard Cabral), fresh out of prison, has set off a chain reaction threatening to expose Cruz’s secret. In an interview with CBR, Joe Miñoso confirmed that Leon will make a return to the show in what promises to be an emotionally charged season.
“We will get to see Leon again, Jeff Lima again,” Miñoso shared. “And I think it’ll end up being a situation that’s more of a role reversal. Leon has leaned on Cruz so heavily for so long, and we might find a little bit of that going the opposite way this time.”
Leon’s return adds another layer of complexity to Cruz’s already turbulent storyline, as the brothers navigate their shared past and the dangers that continue to haunt them.
Cruz Faces Sky-High Stakes
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Cruz, who now bears the responsibility of not only protecting his family but also safeguarding the life he has built as a husband and father. Miñoso reflected on the drastic shift in Cruz’s priorities since Season 1, explaining how his character is navigating these challenges.
“A lot of ways, he can be proactive, but I think he’s just so concerned,” Miñoso said. “Especially now being a father and having a family; it’s such a different world perspective for him than it was in Season 1 when it was just about him and his brother. How to navigate not only protecting your family from something so dangerous but also keeping them completely unaware of it is [a struggle].”
Cruz’s attempts to cover up the truth have been anything but smooth. His first effort to handle the Flaco situation, with Junior’s involvement, quickly backfired, adding more tension to an already precarious situation. With the consequences looming, Cruz’s fight to shield his family will likely take a toll on both his professional and personal life.
Excitement Builds for One Chicago’s First Crossover in Five Years
The stakes aren’t limited to Cruz’s personal journey; the One Chicago universe is ramping up for its first major crossover event in nearly five years. Airing on Wednesday, January 29, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, the highly anticipated three-part event will bring together Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. in a massive rescue mission.
The official synopsis reveals that a gas explosion in a high-rise sets off a race against time as Chicago’s first responders work to save hundreds of civilians. The situation takes a dire turn when 40 people—including two beloved characters—are trapped underground, forcing the teams to dig deep both literally and emotionally.
As Cruz’s suspension following the events of “Chaos Theory” lingers in fans’ minds, his role in the upcoming crossover remains uncertain. However, whether he’s front and center or working behind the scenes, his journey in Season 13 promises to be an emotional rollercoaster.
