Reported / Citable
Background
Luis Ubaldo Arellano-Vazquez 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 his felony guilty plea.
On July 2, 2026, Arellano-Vazquez appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Arellano-Vazquez understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that he was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge 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 given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Arellano-Vazquez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation does not itself finally accept the plea; acceptance, entry of judgment, and sentencing remain before the district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards supporting the guilty plea and provide the district judge with a basis to accept it. They also preserve the parties’ opportunity to seek de novo district-court review by filing timely objections.