ICE Agents Detain Father Outside Boise Preschool

Incident sparks concerns about immigration enforcement tactics near schools

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained a father outside a Spanish-language preschool in Boise, Idaho on Friday morning, according to the school's owner and another parent. The agents, some of whom were masked, used unmarked vehicles to block in the father after he dropped off his child, and did not provide an arrest warrant or detention order when asked. The incident has raised concerns about ICE's enforcement practices and the impact on immigrant communities.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement, particularly the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The decision to detain a parent outside a preschool, without a warrant, has sparked outrage and concerns that ICE is unfairly targeting Latino communities and institutions. It also raises questions about the impact of these tactics on children and families.

The details

According to the school's owner, Mayra Ramirez, and parent Nivea, several ICE agents used unmarked vehicles to block in the child's father outside the school. When the father and others asked for an arrest warrant or detention order, they were told not to interfere. The agents did not enter the school, which cares for children aged 18 months to 5 years, but parents and teachers, many of whom are Latino, were left shaken and fearful for their own families.

  • The incident occurred on Friday morning, February 8, 2026, as the father was dropping off his child at the preschool.

The players

Mayra Ramirez

The owner of Mayra's Spanish Preschool and Daycare, where the incident took place.

Nivea

A parent at the preschool who witnessed the incident and spoke to the media.

Estefania Mondragón

The executive director of PODER of Idaho, who criticized the ICE agents' actions and alleged racial profiling.

Haley Williams

A spokesperson for the Boise Police Department, who stated that the department was not involved in or aware of any arrests at the preschool.

Lisa Robert

The superintendent of the Boise School District, who sent an email to families reiterating the district's commitment to ensuring all students feel safe, regardless of immigration status.

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What they’re saying

“They're not going to Croatian schools. They're not going to Bosnian schools. They're going to a Spanish-language preschool — it sends a very clear message to who they are targeting.”

— Estefania Mondragón, Executive Director, PODER of Idaho (Idaho Statesman)

“We remain committed to ensuring our schools are places where every student can learn, grow, and feel safe.”

— Lisa Robert, Superintendent, Boise School District (Idaho Statesman)

What’s next

The Boise Police Department has stated that it was not involved in or aware of the incident, and it is unclear if any further investigation or action will be taken. The Boise School District has reiterated its commitment to protecting student privacy and ensuring all students feel safe, regardless of immigration status.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around immigration enforcement, particularly the impact on immigrant communities and families. It raises questions about the tactics used by ICE agents and the need for greater transparency and accountability in their operations, especially when it comes to sensitive locations like schools.