Reported / Citable
Background
Edras Eduardo Villagran-Leal was charged in the Western District of Texas with illegal reentry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred to Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova under a general order for the taking of a felony guilty plea.
At an August 25, 2026 hearing, Villagran-Leal, represented by counsel, consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement. The district judge will conduct sentencing.
The Court’s Holding
After personally addressing Villagran-Leal and giving the Rule 11 admonishments, the magistrate judge found that he understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights. The court found that he knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights and entered his plea.
The magistrate judge also found Villagran-Leal competent, determined that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea, and found him guilty of the charged offense. The recommendation was that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- Villagran-Leal pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied, including competence, voluntariness, and a factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to objections and acceptance by the presiding district judge; sentencing was referred to that judge.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage report and recommendation, not a sentencing decision or a final district-court order accepting the plea. It records the magistrate judge’s determination that the plea was valid and recommends entry of judgment, while preserving the parties’ opportunity to object within 14 days.