Reported / Citable
Background
On July 20, 2026, Defendant Silvano Celestino Lucas-Ramirez, also known as Romero Roblero Perez, appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division. After being duly admonished as required by Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Defendant entered a plea of guilty to the Indictment.
The charge against Lucas-Ramirez was Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of Title 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and (b)(1). The Defendant had previously consented to have a Magistrate Judge receive his guilty plea, with the understanding that the final approval and sentencing would be handled by the presiding United States District Judge.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez issued a Report and Recommendation, finding that the Defendant’s guilty plea was made freely, knowingly, and voluntarily. The Court determined that Lucas-Ramirez fully understood the oath, his right to plead not guilty, and his right to be tried by a jury, including the associated rights to counsel, to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, to be protected from compelled self-incrimination, to testify and present evidence, and to compel the attendance of witnesses.
The Magistrate Judge also found that the Defendant understood the nature of the Illegal Re-Entry charge, the immigration consequences, and the maximum possible penalties, including imprisonment, fines, supervised release, forfeiture, restitution, and any special assessment. Lucas-Ramirez acknowledged that his attorney had explained these immigration consequences. The Court confirmed that the plea was not induced by any promises, threats, force, or threats of force. Furthermore, the Magistrate Judge found that there was a sufficient factual basis to support the guilty plea. Based on these findings, the Magistrate Judge recommended to the district judge that the Defendant’s plea of guilty be accepted and that a judgment of guilt be entered.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant Silvano Celestino Lucas-Ramirez pled guilty to the federal crime of Illegal Re-Entry.
- The Magistrate Judge found the Defendant’s guilty plea to be voluntary, knowing, and supported by a factual basis.
- The Magistrate Judge formally recommended to the District Judge that the guilty plea be accepted and a judgment of guilt entered.
- The final decision regarding the acceptance of the plea and subsequent sentencing remains with the District Judge.
Why It Matters
This Report and Recommendation is a standard, yet critical, procedural document in the federal criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving guilty pleas. It demonstrates the Magistrate Judge’s role in meticulously ensuring that a defendant’s plea is made with full understanding and free will, thereby safeguarding due process rights before a case proceeds to the District Judge for final disposition.
For legal practitioners, this opinion highlights the detailed considerations under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, including admonishments regarding constitutional rights, potential penalties, and immigration consequences. It also serves as a reminder of the mechanism for objections to a Magistrate Judge’s findings, which can impact a district judge’s de novo determination or appellate review.