Undocumented immigrant accused of multiple rapes arrested in sanctuary city in New York

An immigrant who was in the country illegally was arrested in East Hampton, an exclusive town on Long Island, New York, accused of committing multiple rapes, according to police authorities. The case has once again brought the policies of so-called "sanctuary cities," which restrict local authorities' cooperation with federal immigration agents.

The suspect was identified as Wilfrido Alberto Maurath Tacuri, 49, who faces three counts of first-degree rape by use of force, crimes classified as Category B felonies under New York law.

According to Patch, the East Hampton Police Department launched an investigation after responding to a domestic dispute at a local residence. During the intervention, officers received information about a person who had allegedly been raped on several occasions.

The suspect was arrested on Nov. 6 and taken to police headquarters before his court appearance scheduled for that same day. The investigation remains open, according to News 12.

DHS confirms his undocumented immigration status

As reported by The New York Post, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Maurath Tacuri, identified as an Ecuadorian citizen, was in the United States illegally.

Federal authorities stated that they did not know when or how he had entered the country.

East Hampton had approved restrictions on cooperation with ICE

The arrest comes just six months after the East Hampton municipal government passed legislation limiting police cooperation with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As reported by Newsday, the measure was unanimously approved in May 2026, after East Hampton Village adopted a similar ordinance in April.

The provisions prevent local officers from participating in certain civil immigration enforcement operations, although they allow for cooperation in criminal investigations and when a court order is in place.

Municipal authorities defended the restrictions, arguing that they aim to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and the police, while ICE has warned that limiting local cooperation could hinder the identification and apprehension of foreign nationals with criminal records.

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Republican Rep. Nick LaLota, who represents New York, has also questioned these policies and threatened to block approximately $9 million in federal funds requested for local projects if municipal authorities do not repeal the restrictions.

The case of Maurath Tacuri, reported by Breitbart News, adds to the debate over cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration matters.