A 53-year-old Mexican national living in the United States admitted in federal court in San Diego that he posed as a federal officer and illegally possessed multiple firearms, according to newly unsealed court records.
Prosecutors said Jaime Ernesto Alvarez-Gonzalez had remained in the country for decades after overstaying a tourist visa. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of impersonating a federal agent and three firearm-related charges.
Authorities described a January 8 incident in which Alvarez-Gonzalez tailed an actual Border Patrol agent while both were driving black Ford F-150 trucks. His vehicle was outfitted to resemble an undercover government truck, including a windshield sticker, mock radio antennas, a light bar, a license plate frame reading “FERDERAL TRUCK,” and handcuffs hanging from the mirror. He also wore a face covering and a green line cap associated with Border Patrol supporters. Investigators say he recorded himself stating that he was searching for officers involved in deportation operations.
The agent he followed believed the setup and left his assignment, allowing Alvarez-Gonzalez to continue without interference.
When agents later approached him, prosecutors say he yelled at them and told them to leave the Linda Vista neighborhood. Shortly afterward, three other vehicles arrived and began confronting the agents, following them onto a highway as they departed. Alvarez-Gonzalez later posted video of the encounter and claimed he had called in backup.
He was taken into custody on January 16. At the time of his arrest, officials say he was carrying a fake FBI badge labeled “special agent.”
Investigators also linked him to three illegal firearms: a Glock handgun, an AR-style rifle, and a Kalashnikov-type pistol. Ammunition was seized from his business as part of the investigation.
According to prosecutors, photos showed Alvarez-Gonzalez traveling to Texas, where he used the weapons at a Houston shooting range and posed with them. Additional images allegedly show him near a real Border Patrol vehicle and at a restricted section of the southern border while wearing a vest and badge.
He could face up to three years in prison for impersonating a federal officer and as much as 15 years for the weapons offenses.