Reported / Citable
Background
Angel Agustin Hipolito-Galvan was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. On June 30, 2026, the defendant appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova in the Western District of Texas, Del Rio Division, for the taking of his felony guilty plea. The magistrate judge was authorized to accept the plea pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3), with sentencing to be conducted by the presiding district judge.
The defendant appeared with counsel and was personally addressed in open court. The magistrate judge admonished the defendant regarding his rights in accordance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, including his right to have the plea taken by the district judge rather than the magistrate judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the defendant’s guilty plea and entry of judgment of guilt. The court found that the defendant, with advice of counsel, consented to the magistrate judge taking his plea; understood the nature of the charges and penalties; understood and freely and voluntarily waived his constitutional and statutory rights; and that his plea was entered freely and voluntarily without a plea agreement.
The court further found the defendant competent to enter a guilty plea and determined there was a sufficient factual basis for the plea. The magistrate judge accordingly found the defendant guilty of Count One, illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326, and noted that the defendant may be subject to restitution.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement
- The magistrate judge found the guilty plea was made freely and voluntarily with full understanding of rights and charges
- The defendant was found competent to enter the plea and adequate factual basis existed
- Sentencing will be conducted by the district judge; the defendant may face restitution
Why It Matters
Illegal reentry prosecutions under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 remain a significant category of federal criminal cases. This procedural order reflects the standard gatekeeping role of magistrate judges in federal criminal practice—accepting guilty pleas on behalf of district judges while ensuring Rule 11 protections are satisfied.
The case now proceeds to sentencing before the district judge, where factors such as the defendant’s immigration history, prior removals, and other sentencing considerations will determine the appropriate penalty for this offense.