Boise Dad Detained by ICE After Daycare Drop-Off

Father taken into custody by immigration agents as he was leaving his child at preschool

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A man was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shortly after dropping off his child at a daycare in Boise, Idaho on Friday morning. The incident prompted concern among parents and staff at the daycare, many of whom are Latino. Authorities have not released the name of the man detained, and the investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and fears surrounding immigration enforcement actions, especially when they occur in sensitive locations like schools and daycares where families and children are present. It raises questions about the use of ICE tactics and the impact on local communities.

The details

According to the daycare owner and a parent, the man arrived at Mayra's Spanish Daycare and Preschool on Friday morning and was immediately approached by several ICE agents in unmarked vehicles. The agents reportedly blocked his vehicle and took him into custody, without presenting a warrant. The Boise Police Department confirmed they received a call from a third party at the scene but were not involved in the arrest itself. A review of court records shows the man had a misdemeanor theft charge in 2024, but no active cases or warrants were found.

  • The incident occurred on Friday morning, February 6, 2026, shortly after the man dropped off his child at the daycare.

The players

Mayra Ramirez

The owner of Mayra's Spanish Daycare and Preschool in Boise, Idaho.

Nivea Castañeda

A parent at the daycare who received an alert about the ICE presence and rushed to the school.

Boise Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that confirmed receiving a call about the incident but was not involved in the arrest.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that detained the man at the daycare.

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What they’re saying

“'They took a dad,'”

— Nivea Castañeda, Parent at the daycare

“'Of course my instinct is to get to my child,'”

— Nivea Castañeda, Parent at the daycare

“'He's such an amazing dad... To learn it was him was awful. On a Friday when our kids are supposed to be learning, one little boy is going home to just a mom and no daddy.'”

— Nivea Castañeda, Parent at the daycare

What’s next

Authorities have not released the name of the man detained, and the investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and fears surrounding immigration enforcement actions, especially when they occur in sensitive locations like schools and daycares where families and children are present. It raises questions about the use of ICE tactics and the impact on local communities.