Reported / Citable
Background
Marco Antonio Rodriguez-Carmona was charged with illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1326(a). On June 22, 2026, the defendant appeared before Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez and entered a plea of guilty to Count One of the Indictment pursuant to a Plea Agreement. This Report and Recommendation documents the magistrate judge’s findings regarding the validity and voluntariness of the plea.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that all requirements for a valid guilty plea under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 were satisfied. The defendant was advised of and acknowledged his understanding of his constitutional rights, including the right to trial by jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right against self-incrimination.
The court found that the defendant fully understood the nature of the charge, the maximum penalties, any applicable mandatory minimum sentences, fines, supervised release terms, and immigration consequences of the plea. The defendant also understood that the Sentencing Guidelines are advisory. Critically, the magistrate judge found that the defendant’s plea was made freely, knowingly, and voluntarily—not induced by promises beyond those in the Plea Agreement, and not coerced by threats or force. There is a factual basis supporting the plea of guilty.
Based on these findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant pled guilty to federal illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. §1326(a)
- All Rule 11 requirements for a valid guilty plea were satisfied, including the defendant’s understanding of rights, penalties, and immigration consequences
- Defendant waived the right to appeal or collaterally attack the conviction or sentence
- Sentencing by the district judge will follow, considering the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and 18 U.S.C. §3553(a) factors
Why It Matters
This recommendation establishes the procedural foundation for a criminal conviction for illegal reentry, a serious federal offense. The meticulous documentation of Rule 11 compliance protects the conviction from later challenge on the grounds that the plea was invalid or involuntary.
The defendant’s waiver of appellate rights in the Plea Agreement significantly limits future remedies. Illegal reentry convictions carry serious consequences, including mandatory minimum imprisonment and deportation consequences, making the validity of the guilty plea critically important to both the defendant and the government.