Reported / Citable
Background
Flaviano Maciel-Pedraza was charged in the Western District of Texas with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. On June 18, 2026, Maciel-Pedraza appeared before Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova with his counsel for the taking of a felony guilty plea.
The magistrate judge conducted a Rule 11 colloquy with the defendant, informing him of his constitutional rights and the nature of the charges and penalties. The defendant was advised that he had a right to have his plea taken by the District Judge but consented to having it taken by the magistrate judge.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Cordova recommended acceptance of Maciel-Pedraza’s guilty plea to Count One of the indictment (illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326). The magistrate judge found that: (1) the plea was entered freely and voluntarily; (2) the defendant understood the nature of the charges and penalties; (3) the defendant understood and waived his constitutional and statutory rights; (4) there was a sufficient factual basis for the guilty plea; and (5) the defendant was competent to enter the plea. No plea agreement was involved.
The recommendation stated that judgment of guilt should be entered against the defendant and that he may be subject to restitution. The case was referred to Judge Ernest Gonzalez for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant pled guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement
- Magistrate judge found the plea was entered freely, voluntarily, and with sufficient factual basis
- Sentencing remains pending before the District Judge
- Defendant acknowledged potential restitution liability
Why It Matters
This case illustrates the standard Rule 11 guilty plea procedure in federal criminal court and the magistrate judge’s gatekeeping role in ensuring plea validity. While the guilty plea recommendation is routine, it reflects the high volume of illegal reentry prosecutions in the Western District of Texas and the procedural framework governing such cases.