Reported / Citable
Background
Joaquin Trejo-Lopez 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 Trejo-Lopez’s felony guilty plea.
Trejo-Lopez and his counsel appeared before the magistrate judge on July 2, 2026. After being advised that he had the right to have a district judge take his plea, Trejo-Lopez 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 Trejo-Lopez understood the charge, its penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Trejo-Lopez was competent, that his plea was free and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Trejo-Lopez guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Trejo-Lopez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days, and sentencing will be conducted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards required before accepting a felony guilty plea, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding, voluntary waiver of rights, and the factual basis for the plea.
The ruling is a magistrate judge’s recommendation rather than the district judge’s final acceptance of the plea. The parties may object before the district court acts on the recommendation.