A Guatemalan man, Pedro Anival Coc-Caal, was given a slap on the wrist this week by United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker after pleading guilty to Assault on a Federal Agent Inflicting Bodily Injury and Improper Entry by an Alien.
Judge Hinderaker imposed a sentence of 24 months, which according to court documents, “is the lowest possible sentence per the stipulated plea agreement.”
On August 12, 2023, a United States Border Patrol agent was in the process of arresting Coc-Caal for illegal entry into the United States. As the agent attempted to handcuff him, Coc-Caal struck the agent on the left side of the agent’s face, causing the agent’s head to snap downwards and knocking his sunglasses off his face. As the agent tried to prevent Coc-Caal from escaping, Coc-Caal kicked the agent in the arm, causing the agent to fall backwards onto jagged rocks, breaking the agent’s finger.
The 22-year-old Coc-Caal escaped into the desert but was eventually apprehended after a foot pursuit aided by helicopter.
Coc-Caal illegally crossed the border near Sasabe and initially claimed to be from Mexico.
