In a shocking revelation, San Diego law enforcement officials have taken into custody Ezequiel Cruz-Rodriguez, a 47-year-old convicted pedophile and illegal immigrant with a history of deportation. The arrest occurred at a licensed daycare facility, Little Hands Academy Family Child Care, operated by his wife, Dulce Villagomez, an SEIU activist known for her photograph with California Governor Gavin Newsom. This incident, which unfolded in late August 2025, has sparked intense scrutiny over California's sanctuary policies and their implications for public safety.
Cruz-Rodriguez's criminal record is extensive, including convictions for sexual assault of a child under 14, sexual battery, assault, robbery, domestic violence, and illegal reentry into the United States. He has been deported on three separate occasions—in 1996, 2003, and 2012—and is reportedly affiliated with the Logan Heights gang. Patrick Divver, ICE San Diego Field Director, labeled him "an unregistered convicted child sex offender" with a litany of prior convictions.
The arrest is the culmination of diligent law enforcement efforts to mitigate the risk posed by Cruz-Rodriguez to a vulnerable population. A senior Department of Homeland Security official expressed horror at the thought of such an individual residing within a daycare facility, commending the work of ICE officers in preventing his continued evasion of justice.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), which licenses daycare facilities, conducted an unannounced inspection in April 2023, emphasizing the requirement for criminal record clearances for all adults living or working in such establishments. However, it is not yet clear whether Cruz-Rodriguez's presence was appropriately disclosed to regulatory bodies. Following the arrest, CDSS has initiated an investigation into the daycare's compliance with licensing requirements.
The case has drawn particular attention due to a photograph of Villagomez with Governor Newsom at an SEIU event, raising concerns about the influence of political and union affiliations on the enforcement of sanctuary policies. Critics, including Republican activist and private investigator Amy Reichert, argue that these policies may provide cover for dangerous individuals with criminal backgrounds, limiting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The incident has reignited debates over California's immigration laws, the efficacy of daycare licensing, and the need for enhanced coordination between federal and state authorities. Law enforcement and child safety advocates are calling for increased scrutiny of daycare operations and policies that may inadvertently protect those with criminal histories.
As the story unfolds, many eyes are on Governor Newsom, SEIU, and other political entities associated with sanctuary policies. With the CDSS investigation ongoing, the fallout from this case is expected to intensify the debate over public safety, immigration policy, and political accountability in California.
