ICE San Diego arrests unregistered child sex offender criminal alien at in-home daycare

SAN DIEGO — ICE San Diego, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, arrested Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez a previously deported illegal alien with an extensive criminal history. Cruz, a documented member of the Logan Heights gang, was residing unlawfully in the United States with his partner, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient who operates an in-home daycare.

Cruz has been deported three times and reentered the United States illegally. His criminal record includes convictions for sex offenses involving a minor, sexual battery, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, driving under the influence, obstruction, assault, robbery, and illegal reentry after removal. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently in United States Marshals Service Custody.

“This arrest sends a clear message: ICE will not tolerate violent criminals who repeatedly violate our laws and endanger our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Diego Field Office Director Patrick Divver. “This individual is a dangerous predator with a history of heinous crimes, including preying on children, and his presence in a home daycare setting is absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable. ICE will continue to use every tool at its disposal to remove threats like this from our streets and ensure they face the full weight of justice.”

The operation was conducted as part of ICE’s ongoing efforts to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security. ICE works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure communities are safeguarded from individuals with violent criminal histories.

The suspect will face prosecution for illegal reentry and other potential charges stemming from his criminal activity. ICE will continue to pursue the removal of individuals who violate immigration laws and endanger public safety.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)