Reported / Citable
Background
Fernando Amarripaz De La Fuente, also known as Fernando De La Fuente-Zamarripa, was charged in the Western District of Texas with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to conduct the felony plea proceeding.
At an August 5, 2026 hearing, De La Fuente appeared with counsel, consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea, and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that De La Fuente understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by an adequate factual basis.
The magistrate judge found De La Fuente guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation did not itself impose sentence or finally accept the plea; it advised the parties that objections could be filed within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to Count One, illegal reentry, without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea colloquy established a knowing, voluntary, and factually supported plea.
- The district judge retains responsibility for acting on the recommendation and conducting sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for district-court review and sentencing, subject to any timely objections. It also illustrates the use of a magistrate judge to conduct a felony guilty-plea proceeding with the defendant’s consent while reserving sentencing for the district judge.