United States v. Gonzalez-Guerra , 169 F. App'x 261 ( 2006 )


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  • PER CURIAM: *

    Juan Gonzalez-Guerra (Gonzalez) appeals his guilty-plea conviction and sentence for illegal reentry after a previous deportation. 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). We need not decide the applicability of the plea-agreement waivers in this case because the issue that Gonzalez raises is foreclosed.

    Gonzalez’s constitutional challenge is foreclosed by Almendarez-Torres v. United States, 523 U.S. 224, 235, 118 S.Ct. 1219, 140 L.Ed.2d 350 (1998). Although Gonzalez contends that Almendarez-Torres was incorrectly decided and that a majority of the Supreme Court would overrule Almendarez-Torres in light of Apprendi, we have repeatedly rejected such arguments on the basis that Almendarez-Torres remains binding. See United States v. Garza-Lopez, 410 F.3d 268, 276 (5th Cir.), cert, denied, — U.S.-, 126 S.Ct. 298, 163 L.Ed.2d 260 (2005). Gonzalez properly concedes that his argu*262ment is foreclosed in light of AlmendarezTorres and circuit precedent, but he raises it here to preserve it for further review.

    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    Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir R. 47.5.4.

Document Info

Docket Number: No. 05-40862

Citation Numbers: 169 F. App'x 261

Judges: Dennis, Garza, Prado

Filed Date: 2/23/2006

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 11/23/2022