Reported / Citable
Background
Yasmanys Torres-Garcia was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred to U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for the taking of a felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3). On June 18, 2026, the defendant appeared before the magistrate with counsel.
The Court’s Holding
The Magistrate Judge found that Torres-Garcia’s guilty plea satisfied all constitutional and statutory requirements. The court found that the defendant understood the nature of the charges and penalties, understood his constitutional and statutory rights, and freely and voluntarily waived them. The plea was entered without a plea agreement and was made freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate found the defendant competent to enter the plea and that there was a sufficient factual basis for the guilty plea to Count One. The defendant is hereby found guilty of illegal reentry. The magistrate recommends acceptance of the guilty plea, with sentencing to be conducted by the presiding District Judge, Ernest Gonzalez.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant pled guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement
- All Rule 11 requirements for a knowing and voluntary guilty plea were satisfied
- Sentencing will be conducted by the District Judge following formal acceptance of the plea
Why It Matters
This case illustrates the criminal procedure requirements that must be satisfied before accepting a guilty plea, particularly in the immigration enforcement context. The Western District of Texas, serving the Del Rio area along the Mexican border, handles a substantial volume of immigration-related criminal prosecutions. The magistrate’s detailed findings ensure that guilty pleas are constitutional and voluntary, protecting defendants’ due process rights while processing these cases efficiently.