Reported / Citable
Background
Hugo Leonel Ramirez-Escobar 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 a U.S. magistrate judge to take Ramirez-Escobar’s felony guilty plea.
Ramirez-Escobar appeared with counsel on June 30, 2026. After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea, he consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Ramirez-Escobar understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Ramirez-Escobar was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
The magistrate judge found Ramirez-Escobar guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were notified that they had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Ramirez-Escobar 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, rights-waiver, and factual-basis requirements.
- The recommendation did not impose a sentence; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. It also illustrates the magistrate judge’s role in conducting the plea hearing and recommending acceptance while leaving sentencing to the district judge.