Reported / Citable
Background
Juan Francisco Lopez De Hoyos faced federal charges of illegal re-entry into the United States. On June 11, 2026, he appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters in the Western District of Texas for a Rule 11 guilty plea hearing. The defendant was informed of his constitutional and statutory rights and the nature of the charges against him.
The magistrate judge personally conducted the hearing, as authorized by 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3). The defendant, represented by counsel, consented to have his plea taken by the magistrate judge rather than the district judge, with sentencing reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The Magistrate Judge found that Lopez De Hoyos understood the charges and penalties, freely and voluntarily waived his constitutional and statutory rights, and entered a knowing and intelligent guilty plea to Count One of the indictment—illegal re-entry into the United States—without a plea agreement. The court determined the defendant was competent to enter the plea and that sufficient factual basis existed to support it.
Based on these findings, the magistrate judge accepted the guilty plea and entered a judgment of guilt against the defendant. The court referred the case to the presiding district judge for sentencing and informed the defendant that he may be subject to restitution.
Key Takeaways
- Guilty plea accepted to federal illegal re-entry charge after Rule 11 compliance inquiry
- Magistrate judge found valid waiver of rights and voluntary entry of plea
- Case proceeds to district judge for sentencing determination
- Defendant faces potential restitution obligation in addition to criminal sentence
Why It Matters
This case reflects routine application of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 protections in immigration crime prosecutions. Illegal re-entry is a serious federal felony that carries significant sentencing exposure. The decision demonstrates judicial adherence to procedural safeguards ensuring that guilty pleas are voluntary, knowing, and factually supported—critical protections in the federal criminal justice system.
The case now proceeds to the sentencing phase, where the district judge will consider the defendant’s criminal history, personal background, and applicable sentencing guidelines specific to immigration violations. The result will establish the consequences for this illegal re-entry conviction.