Reported / Citable
Background
Elder Saul Carrera-Cano was indicted on one count of illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). On September 22, 2026, he appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez and pleaded guilty to the indictment.
Carrera-Cano consented to entering his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. The magistrate judge conducted the plea colloquy required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Carrera-Cano was competent and that his guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The court also found that he understood the charge, possible penalties, immigration consequences, trial rights, advisory Sentencing Guidelines, and sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report and recommendation did not itself finally accept the plea, enter judgment, or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Carrera-Cano pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, and factually supported.
- Acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment remain subject to action by the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards applied before a federal guilty plea may be accepted, including confirmation that the defendant understands the rights relinquished and the potential immigration and sentencing consequences.
It also underscores the limited posture of a magistrate judge’s report and recommendation: the plea remains subject to final approval by the district judge, and objections must be filed before sentencing to preserve covered issues for review.