United States v. Martin Alcantara-Castillo

I respectfully dissent. Martin Alcan-tara-Castillo (Alcantara) challenges his conviction for being a deported alien found in the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Alcantara contends that a new trial is warranted because the government improperly compelled Alcantara to challenge the veracity of a government witness during the government’s cross-examination and impermissibly vouched for government witnesses during closing arguments. The majority agrees with Alcan-tara. I agree with the district court.

I. BACKGROUND

Alcantara was charged with one count of being a deported alien found…