In a significant move by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), authorities apprehended Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez, a convicted illegal immigrant child sex offender, in San Diego.
Cruz-Rodriguez, originally from Mexico, had been residing with his wife, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, who runs a daycare from their home, as detailed in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release.
According to The Post Millennial, Cruz-Rodriguez's criminal background is extensive, with three prior deportations from the United States. He is also identified as a member of the Logan Heights gang, a notorious Mexican American street gang based in San Diego, California.
His criminal record includes convictions for sex offenses involving a child under 14, sexual battery, illegal possession of a firearm, driving under the influence (DUI), and robbery, as reported by ICE.
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from DHS officials. "It is SICKENING to think this pedophile criminal illegal alien was residing inside the home where a daycare operates and hiding out in a sanctuary city," a senior DHS official stated in a press release.
The official further praised the efforts of ICE officers, noting, Thanks to the brave work of our ICE law enforcement officers, this criminal illegal alien, convicted pedophile, and known Logan Heights gang member - will no longer be able to prey on children inside a daycare. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, sickos like this will not walk free in the US."
Cruz-Rodriguez's history of deportations began in August 1996, following a final order of removal by an immigration judge. Subsequent removals occurred in October 2003 and December 2012. Despite these actions, DHS reports that Cruz-Rodriguez managed to re-enter the United States illegally, though the exact timing of his return remains unknown.
This arrest is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to intensify immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions, focusing on the most egregious criminal offenders unlawfully residing in the country. San Diego, a self-declared sanctuary city in California, is among the areas targeted in these operations.
The public is encouraged to report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activities by contacting ICE at (866-347-2423) or by completing an online tip form. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect communities from individuals with dangerous criminal histories.
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