Reported / Citable
Background
Etgar Galvez-Galindo was indicted for illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). On August 4, 2026, he appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres and pleaded guilty to the indictment.
Galvez-Galindo consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to the presiding district judge’s final approval and sentencing. The magistrate judge conducted the plea proceeding under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 and advised Galvez-Galindo of his trial rights, the nature and consequences of the charge, potential penalties, immigration consequences, and the role of the Sentencing Guidelines and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Galvez-Galindo was competent and that his guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The court also found that the plea was not induced by promises, threats, force, or threats of force.
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 or impose a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Galvez-Galindo 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.
- Final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain with the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The report documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal court may accept a guilty plea, including confirmation that the defendant understands the charge, trial rights, sentencing exposure, and immigration consequences.
It also preserves the distinction between a magistrate judge’s recommendation and the district judge’s final action: the plea has been recommended for acceptance, but judgment and sentencing remain pending.