SAN DIEGO – In a surprising twist, a Mexican national residing in the U.S. has confessed to masquerading as a Border Patrol agent. He attempted to mislead federal immigration authorities during their operations in Southern California.

Jamie Ernesto Alvarez-Gonzalez owned up to trailing a genuine Border Patrol officer on January 8, as the latter navigated through a San Diego neighborhood, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

Authorities revealed that Alvarez-Gonzalez drove a black Ford F-150, akin to those used by covert federal agents. The vehicle bore a license plate frame labeled “federal truck,” albeit with a misspelled “federal.” Additionally, he adorned the windshield with a Border Patrol decal and fitted non-functional radio antennas on the roof. Handcuffs dangled conspicuously from the rearview mirror, as detailed in the complaint.

Spotting Alvarez-Gonzalez in pursuit, the agent aborted his mission, mistakenly interpreting the situation as a response from fellow agents, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Upon being approached by legitimate agents, Alvarez-Gonzalez reportedly shouted insults and insisted they vacate the Linda Vista neighborhood, according to prosecutors. Meanwhile, three additional vehicles appeared, intimidating the agents and pursuing them along the highway.

Further revelations from prosecutors indicated that Alvarez-Gonzalez had recorded himself claiming to actively seek out federal immigration agents, boasting about summoning his “reinforcements.” He was also found in possession of a counterfeit FBI badge.

He pleaded guilty to one count of impersonating a federal agent and three counts of illegally possessing firearms. His federal public defender did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

Alvarez-Gonzalez overstayed his tourist visa, which he used decades ago to enter the country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.