Reported / Citable
Background
Angel Isaias Saico-Garcia was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). On August 11, 2026, he appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres and pleaded guilty to the indictment.
Saico-Garcia 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.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Torres found that Saico-Garcia was competent and that his guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The judge also found that Saico-Garcia understood the charge, his trial rights, the immigration consequences of pleading guilty, the potential penalties, and the advisory role of the Sentencing Guidelines.
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.
Key Takeaways
- Saico-Garcia pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, and factually supported.
- Acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment remained subject to action by the presiding district judge.
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, waived rights, sentencing exposure, and immigration consequences.
Because this was a magistrate judge’s report and recommendation, it did not constitute a final adjudication of guilt. The district judge retained responsibility for accepting the plea, entering judgment, and imposing sentence.