Reported / Citable
Background
Brandon Yair Enriquez-Hernandez was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take a felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
Enriquez-Hernandez and his counsel appeared before the magistrate judge on September 1, 2026. After being advised that he could have a district judge take his plea, Enriquez-Hernandez consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Enriquez-Hernandez understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that the plea was knowing, free, and voluntary; that Enriquez-Hernandez was competent to plead guilty; and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Enriquez-Hernandez guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and 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 of receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Enriquez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to review by the district judge, who will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The filing documents the magistrate judge’s Rule 11 findings supporting acceptance of Enriquez-Hernandez’s felony guilty plea. It is a report and recommendation rather than a final sentencing decision by the district judge.