Reported / Citable
Background
Angel Higinio Ortiz was charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I) & (B)(i). On June 29, 2026, Ortiz appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova in the Western District of Texas with counsel present. The Magistrate was assigned to conduct the guilty plea proceeding under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3), with sentencing to be conducted by the presiding District Judge.
Ortiz was advised of his rights under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, informed that he could have his plea taken by a District Judge, and advised of the nature of the charges and applicable penalties.
The Court’s Holding
The Magistrate Judge found that Ortiz entered his guilty plea freely and voluntarily, with the advice of counsel, and with full understanding of his constitutional and statutory rights. The court determined that Ortiz was competent to enter the plea and that there was a sufficient factual basis for the conviction.
The Magistrate Judge accepted the guilty plea to Count One of the indictment and found Ortiz guilty of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The court recommended that the guilty plea be accepted and that judgment of guilt be entered. The case was referred to the presiding District Judge for sentencing, with potential restitution to be considered.
Key Takeaways
- Guilty plea accepted as knowing, voluntary, and supported by factual basis
- Defendant found guilty of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324
- Sentencing phase pending before District Judge
Why It Matters
This guilty plea represents federal enforcement of immigration smuggling laws in the Southern Border region. The case proceeds from the Western District of Texas, Del Rio Division, which handles a significant volume of immigration-related prosecutions.
The acceptance of Ortiz’s plea demonstrates the federal government’s continuing focus on prosecuting alien transportation conspiracies. Restitution and sentencing remain to be determined at the final sentencing hearing before the District Judge.