Migrant pleads guilty to assaulting agent, running away in underwear

LAREDO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty to assaulting a Border Patrol agent and stripping down to his underwear while being captured, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Marco Cupil-Hernandez, 21, an illegal migrant from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico admitted to hitting the agent's body and face repeatedly while attempting to get free.

On Jan. 23, authorities arrested Cupil-Hernandez after he struggled to get across the Rio Grande, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. After crossing, Border Patrol took Cupil-Hernandez to a nearby hospital for treatment since he complained of injury to his knees.

Once he was cleared from the hospital, Cupil-Hernandez was walking with a limp. An agent attempted to help him into the vehicle and was met with a blunt push from Cupil-Hernandez who tried to get away.

The struggle continued onto the concrete and according to the release, each time the agent grabbed a piece of Cupil-Hernandez's clothing, he removed it.

Cupil-Hernandez then elbowed the agent's face, causing him to lose his hold. In that moment, the illegal immigrant ran away wearing only his underwear and shoes.

Authorities took him into custody shortly after discovering him hiding under the covered parking spaces of a nearby gym.

U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. Cupil-Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine.

Cupil-Hernandez remains in custody pending his hearing.