On Wednesday morning, ICE agents raided a San Diego home to arrest a thrice-deported illegal alien who is also a convicted pedophile and known gang member. His residence was also being used as his wife’s home daycare business. His wife, Dulce Villagomez, is an SEIU activist who has worked alongside California Gov. Gavin Newsom in union efforts for day care workers.
This situation highlights the troubling ties between California Democrats like Gavin Newsom, activist groups such as SEIU, gangs, and criminal illegal aliens.
Critics argue the case once again shows Democrats’ disregard for child safety.
According to ICE, Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez, 47, a Mexican national and confirmed Logan Heights gang member, has an extensive criminal history. He was deported three times—in 1996, 2003, and 2012. He was found living at the daycare before being taken into custody with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Special Response Team.
“This individual is an unregistered convicted child sex offender with prior convictions of possession of a firearm, DUI, domestic violence, battery, assault, brandishing a firearm, illegal reentry, robbery and illegal reentry after removal,” said Patrick Divver, ICE San Diego Field Director.
Cruz was previously convicted of sexual assault on a child under 14 and sexual battery. A 2015 photo posted on Facebook shows him in disturbing proximity to children.
A senior DHS official commented: “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. 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.”
Villagomez’s daycare, Little Hands Academy Family Child Care, was licensed by the State of California in 2016. Records show no violations, and an inspection in April 2023 reminded the facility that all adults living or working there must undergo a criminal background clearance. It remains unclear whether Villagomez disclosed her husband’s presence to regulators.
NBC San Diego has reported that the state is now investigating the daycare, but critics say it is too late and that a federal review should be launched to examine how the center was licensed in the first place despite these circumstances.
Villagomez’s political ties raise further questions. SEIU, one of Newsom’s biggest supporters, has also backed anti-ICE demonstrations in California. Observers are waiting to see whether Newsom will address the arrest publicly.
