USA v. Bonilla-Lagos — Magistrate judge accepted guilty plea for illegal reentry

Reported / Citable

Background

Henry Jeobany Bonilla-Lagos was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326 (Count One of the indictment). The case was referred to a United States Magistrate Judge for the taking of a felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).

On June 4, 2026, the defendant appeared before the magistrate judge in open court with his counsel. The magistrate personally addressed the defendant, informed him of his right to have his plea taken by the district judge, and admonished him pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.

The Court’s Holding

The magistrate judge found that the defendant consented to having his plea taken by the magistrate (with sentencing to be conducted by the district judge). The court determined that the defendant understood the nature of the charges and penalties, understood his constitutional and statutory rights, and freely and voluntarily waived them.

The defendant entered a guilty plea to Count One without a plea agreement. The magistrate 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. Accordingly, the magistrate recommended that the guilty plea be accepted and that judgment of guilt be entered against the defendant.

Key Takeaways

• The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
• The magistrate judge found the defendant validly waived his rights and made a knowing, voluntary guilty plea with sufficient factual basis.
• The case was referred to the district judge for sentencing; the magistrate’s findings and recommendations are subject to de novo review if objections are filed within 14 days.

Why It Matters

This case illustrates the magistrate judge’s role in accepting felony guilty pleas in accordance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. The thorough findings ensure that guilty pleas are entered knowingly, voluntarily, and with adequate factual support—critical procedural protections for defendants in criminal cases.

The open issue of sentencing remains with the district judge, who will determine the consequences of this illegal reentry conviction. The magistrate’s recommendation is not binding and parties have 14 days to object and request de novo review by the district judge.