Reported / Citable
Background
Luis Javier Garcia-Jaramillo was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge JOSEPH A CORDOVA to conduct the felony guilty-plea proceeding.
On July 2, 2026, Garcia-Jaramillo appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving the required Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Garcia-Jaramillo understood the charge, possible penalties, and rights he was waiving; entered the plea freely and voluntarily; was competent to plead guilty; and admitted a sufficient factual basis for the plea. The magistrate judge also found him guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and noted his acknowledgment that restitution might apply.
The magistrate judge recommended that the presiding district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the district judge for sentencing, and the parties were advised that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Garcia-Jaramillo pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11’s competency, voluntariness, notice, and factual-basis requirements.
- The filing is a recommendation to the district judge, who remains responsible for accepting the plea, entering judgment, and imposing sentence.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards supporting Garcia-Jaramillo’s guilty plea and provides the basis for the district judge to accept it. Because the plea was entered without an agreement, the filing identifies no negotiated sentencing concessions.
The notice also preserves the parties’ opportunity to challenge the recommendation while warning that failing to object timely may restrict district-court and appellate review.