Reported / Citable
Background
Mirna Liseth Camey-Lopez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred to United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for processing of a felony guilty plea pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
On June 18, 2026, the defendant and her counsel appeared before the magistrate judge in open court. The magistrate judge admonished the defendant regarding her rights under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, informing her that she had the right to have her plea taken by the United States District Judge rather than a magistrate judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that the defendant consented to the plea being taken by the magistrate judge, with sentencing to be conducted by United States District Judge Ernest Gonzalez. The court found that the defendant understood the nature of the charges and penalties, understood her constitutional and statutory rights, and freely and voluntarily waived them.
The magistrate judge accepted the defendant’s guilty plea to Count One—illegal reentry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. § 1326—entered without a plea agreement. The court found the plea was made freely and voluntarily, that the defendant was competent to enter the plea, and that there was a sufficient factual basis for the guilty plea. The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the guilty plea and entry of a judgment of guilt against the defendant.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant pled guilty to illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found all Rule 11 requirements satisfied: knowing and voluntary plea, waiver of rights, competency, and sufficient factual basis.
- Defendant was admonished of her right to have the plea taken by the district judge but consented to the magistrate judge proceeding.
- Defendant may be subject to restitution; sentencing will be conducted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
This case exemplifies the standard Rule 11 guilty plea procedure in federal criminal practice. Immigration violations, particularly illegal reentry offenses under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, remain a significant category of federal criminal charges. Magistrate judges routinely process guilty pleas in these matters, with district judges handling sentencing.
The detailed factual findings ensure that the guilty plea is constitutionally sound and protect against later appellate challenges on grounds of an involuntary or unknowing plea. The case proceeds to sentencing by the district judge, where potential consequences including restitution will be determined.