United States v. Villalobos
United States v. Villalobos
Opinion
Rafael Villalobos appeals from his guilty-plea conviction of reentry of a deported alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b)(2) and 6 U.S.C. §§ 202, 557. He argues that the “felony” and “aggravated felony” provisions of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b)(1) and (2) are unconstitutional in light of Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000).
As Villalobos concedes, his argument that the sentencing provisions in 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b) are unconstitutional was rejected in Almendarez-Torres, 523 U.S. 224, 235, 118 S.Ct. 1219, 140 L.Ed.2d 350 (1998). Apprendi did not overrule Almendarez-Torres. See Apprendi, 530 U.S. at 489-90, 120 S.Ct. 2348. This court must follow the precedent set in Almendarez-Torres unless the Supreme Court overrules it. See United States v. Rivera, 265 F.3d 310, 312 (5th Cir. 2001). Villalobos’s argument is foreclosed.
The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.