Texas Case Summaries
Federal Enforcement »

United States v. Carcamo-Fernandez — magistrate judge recommends accepting guilty plea to illegal reentry

Reported / Citable

Case
United States of America v. Marvin Enrique Carcamo-Fernandez
Court
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Judge
Joseph A. Cordova
Date Decided
August 25, 2026
Docket No.
2:26-cr-02280
Topics
Criminal procedure; Guilty pleas; Illegal reentry; Magistrate judges

Background

Marvin Enrique Carcamo-Fernandez appeared with counsel before a magistrate judge for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised him that he had the right to have a district judge take the plea and gave the required Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 admonishments.

Carcamo-Fernandez, with counsel’s advice, consented to the magistrate judge taking his plea. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.

The Court’s Holding

Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova found that Carcamo-Fernandez understood the charge, penalties, and his rights; voluntarily waived his rights; was competent; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the guilty plea.

The magistrate judge found Carcamo-Fernandez guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days; the district judge will conduct sentencing.

Key Takeaways

  • The defendant pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
  • The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied and a factual basis for the plea.
  • The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea; final acceptance and sentencing are for the district judge.

Why It Matters

The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court order accepting the plea. It preserves the parties’ 14-day period to object before the district judge acts on the recommendation.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top