Reported / Citable
Background
David Eduardo Campos-Guerrero appeared before Magistrate Judge Susan Hightower on July 1, 2026, for the taking of his felony guilty plea pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. The defendant, represented by counsel, had consented to enter the plea before the Magistrate Judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the District Court. The defendant was charged with one count of Illegal Re-entry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
The Magistrate Judge accepted the defendant’s guilty plea after determining that all Rule 11 requirements were satisfied. The Court made six critical findings: the defendant fully understands the nature of the charge and possible penalties; he understands his constitutional and statutory rights and the effect of waiving them; he waived his right to prosecution by indictment; his plea was made freely and voluntarily; he is competent to enter the plea; and there is a factual basis for the plea.
The Magistrate Judge recommended that the District Court accept the guilty plea and, after reviewing the presentence investigation report, enter a Final Judgment of guilt against the defendant. The District Court retains authority to accept or reject the plea and will determine sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The guilty plea was accepted only after the Magistrate Judge verified full compliance with Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 protections.
- The defendant waived his right to indictment and entered his plea voluntarily with full knowledge of the consequences.
- Final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain within the District Court’s discretion.
- Parties had 14 days from service of this Report to file objections; failure to do so bars de novo review by the District Court and appellate review on factual findings.
Why It Matters
This case illustrates the federal procedural safeguards required for accepting guilty pleas in criminal cases, particularly the magistrate judge’s gatekeeping role in ensuring Rule 11 compliance. The strict adherence to these protections ensures that guilty pleas are knowing, intelligent, and voluntary—a cornerstone of the criminal justice system’s due process protections.
Cases involving illegal re-entry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 remain prevalent in federal district courts, particularly in border regions. This case demonstrates the procedural pathway through which such cases reach disposition in the federal system.