Reported / Citable
Background
Roberto Diaz-Uriostegui was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas with Count One: Illegal Re-Entry, in violation of Title 8 U.S.C. § 1326. On June 23, 2026, the defendant appeared before Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda with counsel and entered into a plea agreement. The defendant pled guilty to the charge pursuant to the terms of that agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Diaz-Uriostegui’s guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and made with full understanding of his rights. The defendant was admonished under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 and confirmed his understanding of the constitutional rights he was waiving, including the right to a jury trial, the right to confront witnesses, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to present evidence in his defense.
The court found that the defendant fully understood the nature of the charge, the applicable penalties (including mandatory minimum penalties and fine), supervised release, forfeiture, and restitution obligations. Importantly, the defendant acknowledged that immigration consequences of the plea were explained to him. The magistrate judge determined there was a factual basis to support the guilty plea and that the plea was not induced by threats, force, or promises other than those in the plea agreement. The defendant was found competent to enter the plea.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant waived the right to appeal or collaterally attack the sentence, with the understanding that failure to follow recommended sentencing adjustments in the plea agreement does not permit withdrawal of the guilty plea.
- The magistrate judge’s recommendation is subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge.
- Immigration consequences were explicitly explained to the defendant prior to entry of the guilty plea.
- The sentencing court will apply the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines in determining sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
Why It Matters
This Report and Recommendation establishes a complete record of the defendant’s knowing and voluntary waiver of trial rights in an illegal re-entry case—a common charge in federal criminal practice involving immigration violations. The document demonstrates the federal courts’ adherence to Rule 11 requirements, ensuring that guilty pleas are not coerced and that defendants understand collateral immigration consequences, which can be severe in re-entry prosecutions.
The case proceeds to the district judge for final approval of the plea and sentencing. The magistrate’s detailed findings create a durable record that should withstand appellate scrutiny, assuming the district judge adopts these findings.