Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take a felony guilty plea. On August 7, 2026, Luis Alberto Ibarra-Palma and counsel appeared before the magistrate judge.
After advising Ibarra-Palma that he could have a district judge take the plea, the magistrate judge conducted the Rule 11 colloquy. Ibarra-Palma pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Ibarra-Palma consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he waived; was competent; and entered the plea knowingly, freely, and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Ibarra-Palma guilty of the offense. The recommendation is that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Ibarra-Palma’s guilty plea to illegal reentry.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement after a Rule 11 colloquy.
- Parties have 14 days to file written objections to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision. Unless timely objections are filed, the district court may adopt the findings and proceed to sentencing.