Reported / Citable
Background
Felix Manuel Ortiz-Santana was indicted for illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). On August 11, 2026, he appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez and pleaded guilty to the indictment.
Ortiz-Santana consented to entering his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to the presiding district judge’s final approval and sentencing. The magistrate judge conducted the plea proceeding under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 and advised him about his trial rights, the charge and possible penalties, immigration consequences, the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, and the sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found Ortiz-Santana competent and concluded that his plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The court also found that the plea was not induced by promises, threats, force, or threats of force and that Ortiz-Santana understood the rights he relinquished by pleading guilty.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report and recommendation did not itself finally accept the plea or impose a sentence; those matters remained for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Ortiz-Santana pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea was knowing, voluntary, and factually supported.
- The recommendation remains subject to final approval by the district judge, and written objections must be filed before sentencing to preserve the review identified in the notice.
Why It Matters
The report documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal court may accept a guilty plea, including confirmation that the defendant understands the charge, potential sentence, immigration consequences, and constitutional rights being waived.
It also underscores the limited role of the magistrate judge in this proceeding: the magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea, while final acceptance, entry of judgment, and sentencing remained with the district judge.