WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez, a convicted child sex offender and Mexican national with a long criminal history and three prior deportations.
Cruz-Rodriguez, identified as a documented member of the Logan Heights gang, was living in the U.S. illegally with his wife, a DACA recipient who operates an in-home daycare.
His criminal record includes multiple convictions for:
Sex crimes involving a child under 14
Sexual battery
Robbery
Illegal firearm possession
Driving under the influence
ICE confirmed that Cruz-Rodriguez had previously been deported:
August 23, 1996
October 28, 2003
December 14, 2012
Authorities believe he illegally re-entered the U.S. at an unknown time and location.
A Senior Department of Homeland Security official described the situation as “sickening,” saying:
“This pedophile criminal alien was living in a daycare and hiding in a sanctuary city. Thanks to ICE, he can no longer endanger children.”
The official praised the work of federal agents, adding that under the current administration, individuals like Cruz-Rodriguez “will not walk free in the U.S.”
ICE has taken the suspect into custody pending deportation proceedings.
The case has raised significant concerns about immigration enforcement, daycare safety, and the risks of sanctuary city policies. Investigators are continuing to examine how Cruz-Rodriguez avoided detection for so long.
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