An illegal immigrant and suspected serial rapist called the “rideshare rapist” was arrested in San Francisco, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to deport him if he’s released by the sanctuary city.
Orlando Vilchez Lazo, a 36-year-old citizen of Peru, is accused of raping at least four female victims — one in 2013 and three in 2018 — by tricking them into his car while posing as a Lyft driver. His DNA, according to police, matches cases involving four victims so far.
“There’s a kidnapping with intent to commit rape and many other charges involving rape allegations as well,” said district attorney spokesman Alex Bastian. Vilchez Lazo was denied bail while authorities investigated how he was able to pass a background check, Fox News reported.
ICE officials reportedly asked the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department on Friday to detain Vilchez Lazo in federal immigration custody. However, the agency says the city “does not honor” these requests given its sanctuary city policy that bars it from cooperating with deportation efforts or notifying “ICE about the impending release of aliens in custody.”
The sanctuary city policy “not only provides a refuge for illegal aliens, but it also shields criminal aliens who prey on people in the community,” said ICE spokesman Richard Rocha. (RELATED: ICE Arrests 37 Illegal Immigrants In NJ, Takes Shot At Local Government ‘Sanctuary County’)
“Our hearts go out to those affected by these deeply disturbing acts,” Lyft said in a statement. “Individuals who drive for Lyft must be eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately in this circumstance, this person fraudulently represented himself. We stand ready to work with law enforcement and are actively addressing this case of fraud with our background check provider.”
Vilchez Lazo would be released if authorities drop the charges against him. He pleaded not guilty and could receive multiple life sentences if convicted.
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