Chicago, IL – November 5, 2025 – A Chicago day care worker was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while children were being dropped off at the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred during the school’s busiest drop-off time, has sparked outrage among parents, staff, and local officials.
What Happened
According to witnesses and Alderman Matt Martin, Nicco Cotton, a 21-year-old employee at the center, was pulled from a vehicle and detained by ICE agents after she entered the school grounds. Cotton, a Colombian national, reportedly told authorities she had “papers,” indicating that she had been granted permission to work in the U.S. under the Biden administration. However, ICE agents stated that she entered the U.S. illegally in June 2023 and was later granted work authorization.
As agents arrived, Cotton attempted to take refuge inside the day care center but was stopped and detained outside by federal officers. Witnesses said ICE agents wore tactical gear and made the arrest in front of a group of children and parents. The arrest was captured on video and circulated online, showing at least one officer in an ICE vest as the woman was forcibly removed.
Reactions from Parents and Staff
Parents who witnessed the event expressed anger and disbelief. Esmeralda Rosales, whose child was taught by the detained worker, said, “These are the nicest, kindest people. They don’t deserve this. These children don’t deserve to be living through this.”
Another parent, Chris Widen, whose child was also taught by Cotton, described the scene as “chaotic,” noting that the operation took place during the hectic drop-off hours when children and families witnessed the teacher being taken away.
Adam Gonzalez, another parent, said he began recording the incident to show the world what was happening. “The world needs to see what’s happening, that this is not fake, that this is real,” Gonzalez said. He added that immigration raids near schools had become too common in Chicago, with families feeling increasingly vulnerable.
Government’s Response
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the arrest followed an attempt to evade authorities when Cotton’s vehicle allegedly ignored law enforcement sirens. McLaughlin claimed Cotton “ran into a daycare and attempted to barricade herself inside,” thereby putting the children in the facility at risk.
The Chicago Police Department and Homeland Security have not responded to further requests for clarification on the events. Rayito de Sol did not comment on the incident, but the school closed for the day following the detention.
Increasing Tensions over ICE Actions
This latest event adds to growing tensions over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, especially around schools. Earlier this year, ICE agents confronted a man outside his child’s preschool in Portland, Oregon, and in Los Angeles, agents mistakenly detained a disabled teen outside a high school. The aggressive tactics, including the use of tear gas on a playground in Chicago last month, have led to protests and calls for a rethinking of immigration enforcement strategies, particularly near sensitive locations like schools.
Public Outrage
Criticism from local leaders and advocacy groups continues to mount. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has yet to comment, but local activists have expressed outrage at ICE’s actions in schools, arguing that such enforcement undermines the safety and well-being of children.
In defense of the crackdown, Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official, said that agents are simply doing their job, referring to their operations as “sanctuary busters” in areas where cooperation with immigration authorities is limited, like Chicago. However, the growing public backlash suggests that many residents feel that the approach is putting children and families in harm’s way.
Closing
The incident at Rayito de Sol has once again highlighted the increasingly aggressive immigration policies under the Trump administration. As calls for reform grow, this event marks another chapter in the contentious debate over how immigration enforcement should be handled in the U.S., particularly in communities with significant immigrant populations. Parents, educators, and local leaders continue to demand answers and an end to such practices that target vulnerable communities.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
