Ecuadorian Citizen Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Illegal Reentry in New York
Luis Armando Tamaquiza Bastidas was sentenced to two months in prison following his arrest near the U.S.-Canada border, according to official records.
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On July 28, 2026, Luis Armando Tamaquiza Bastidas, a 43-year-old citizen of Ecuador, pled guilty in federal court to one count of illegal reentry into the United States, according to official records from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York. The case remains open and developing as post-sentencing proceedings move forward. According to official records announced on August 17, 2026, Tamaquiza Bastidas was arrested on May 24, 2026, after crossing the U.S.-Canada border near Churubusco, New York. Official records show he was arrested two previous times for entering the United States illegally, most recently in Texas in October 2025 before being deported later that year. United States District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino sentenced Tamaquiza Bastidas to two months' imprisonment, following which he is subject to deportation. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated that the defendant exploited previous border policy failures and was stopped on his third attempt to enter illegally. Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol commended the agents of the Swanton Sector for their role in the prosecution. The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen.
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- Version 118 Aug 2026, 11:54
First published.
- Version 118 Aug 2026, 11:42current
First published.
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