A Mexican citizen has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for assaulting a Border Patrol agent in Laredo, Texas. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Nicholas J. Ganjei, announced the sentencing of Marco Cupil-Hernandez, 21, who pleaded guilty on April 28 to striking the agent’s body and face multiple times during an attempt to escape custody.
Cupil-Hernandez entered the United States illegally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico by crossing the Rio Grande on January 23. Authorities detained him shortly after his arrival. He reported knee injuries and was taken to a local hospital for emergency care. Medical staff cleared him for release despite his limp.
As a Border Patrol agent tried to help Cupil-Hernandez into a vehicle, he pushed the agent away and attempted to run. A struggle followed on concrete ground during which Cupil-Hernandez removed articles of clothing each time the agent tried to restrain him. He then elbowed the agent in the face and escaped wearing only underwear and shoes.
Authorities found Cupil-Hernandez hiding under covered parking spaces at a nearby gym soon after his escape attempt and took him back into custody.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen stated that Cupil-Hernandez did more than simply push away from law enforcement and appeared prepared to fight, resulting in knee and back injuries for the agent. Although Cupil-Hernandez requested leniency by explaining that he did not intend harm but wanted only to escape, Judge Kazen imposed a 15-month sentence.
Cupil-Hernandez is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his sentence since he is not a U.S. citizen. He will remain in custody until transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI led the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
According to officials, this case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative organized by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, as well as protecting communities from violent crime by coordinating efforts across multiple justice programs including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
"Marco Cupil-Hernandez pleaded guilty April 28, admitting he struck the agent’s body and face repeatedly while attempting to flee."
"In handing down the sentence, Judge Kazen said Cupil-Hernandez did more than push the agent away and appeared to have planned to fight, which left the agent with knee and back injuries."
"He asked for leniency, telling the court he only wanted to escape and did not intend to injure the agent."
