Reported / Citable
Background
Luis Felipe Calderon-Monreal was charged with illegal reentry into the United States under 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A Cordova to take Calderon-Monreal’s felony guilty plea.
At a July 2, 2026 hearing, Calderon-Monreal appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea rather than the district judge. After receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Calderon-Monreal understood the charge, potential penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge further found that Calderon-Monreal was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the presiding district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report did not itself constitute the district judge’s acceptance of the plea; it referred the matter to the district judge for further action and sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Calderon-Monreal pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea competent, knowing, voluntary, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea, while sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The report documents the Rule 11 findings required before a felony guilty plea may be accepted and preserves Calderon-Monreal’s consent to the magistrate judge’s role in taking the plea.
The parties had 14 days after receiving the report to object. Regardless of whether objections were filed, the recommendation still required action by the district judge.