An illegal immigrant child sex offender tied to the Logan Heights gang was arrested on Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. The illegal immigrant was living in an active daycare in San Diego, California, at the time of his arrest.

In a Thursday press release, ICE announced that Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was arrested. Officials confirmed that Cruz-Rodriguez, who is a convicted child sex offender and member of the Logan Heights gang, has an “extensive history of criminal behavior and three prior removals from the U.S.” According to the press release, the illegal immigrant had been living in an in-home daycare operated by his wife, who is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

ICE confirmed that Cruz-Rodriguez has been convicted for sex offenses involving a minor under the age of 14, sexual battery, robbery, the illegal possession of a firearm, and driving under the influence.

“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 Department of Homeland Security official stated. “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 U.S.”

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According to the press release, the illegal immigrant child sex offender was removed from the United States on August 23, 1996, after illegally entering the country. Cruz-Rodriguez was removed a second time on October 28, 2003, and was later removed a third time on December 14, 2012.

In a video on X, formerly Twitter, Patrick Divver, the field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Diego, said the discovery of an illegal immigrant child sex offender in an active daycare is an “alarming situation that underscores the public safety risk posed by individuals” like Cruz-Rodriguez.

Divver added, “This case highlights exactly why ICE is conducting enforcement operations in San Diego: to remove dangerous criminals who threaten our communities, our children, and put public safety at risk.”

Sharing a picture of Cruz-Rodriguez on social media, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tweeted, “ICE is arresting the WORST of the WORST. Like this sicko: Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez— a Mexican national and convicted child sex offender. This Logan Heights gang member, previously removed from the U.S. THREE times, was found living with his wife, a DACA recipient who runs an in-home daycare.”

“We will not allow pedophiles to prey on children at daycares or schools,” Noem added. “Thanks to @ICEgov, this criminal illegal alien is OUT of our country. For good.”