Ms. Rachel has condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a 20-year-old student with special needs was reportedly tackled by federal agents while walking to school in California. The children's educator expressed anger over claims that the student, who is a US citizen, suffered a broken wrist and was released without medical assistance at the scene.
In a social media post, Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, described the allegations as unacceptable and questioned the agents' actions. 'What would Jesus do? Certainly not assault a student with special needs and leave him on the side of the road,' she wrote in a caption accompanying her message.
Ms. Rachel's Message About Alleged ICE Encounter
In a video shared with her followers, Ms. Rachel addressed fellow mothers as she described the alleged treatment of the student. 'Moms, ICE broke the wrist of a 20 year old student who has special needs on his way to school,' she said.
'They had the wrong person. He's a US citizen,' she continued, stressing that citizenship should not determine whether someone deserves protection. 'Not that that would be okay if he wasn't a US Citizen,' she added.
Ms. Rachel also alleged that the student was left on the roadside without medical assistance and needed surgery for his injuries. 'I already cried about this. Now I'm just mad,' she said, expressing her frustration over the incident.
What Happened to the Student?
Local reports identified the student as Erick Zepeda, who was reportedly walking to Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria, California, on 21 October when two federal agents allegedly tackled and detained him. According to accounts reported by local media, the agents restrained him and questioned him about his identity and citizenship.
Zepeda reportedly continued to school after being released, where staff noticed his injuries and arranged for him to receive medical attention. His former special education teacher and mentor, Glenn Goldin, told local news outlet KEYT that Zepeda had suffered a broken wrist and other injuries, with the wrist injury reportedly requiring surgery.
An adult student at Santa Maria High is recovering from surgery after he was stopped beaten, his wrist broken by ICE agents Erik Zepeda, 20, is a student on an individualized education program who was walking to classes around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday his injuries required surgery. pic.twitter.com/cuccMPPGHw
— Cally1977 (@Cally12750) October 25, 2026
ICE has disputed key details of the encounter. The agency said its agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation when they encountered someone they believed matched their intended target's description. An agency spokesperson alleged that the individual resisted officers, refused lawful commands and assumed a fighting stance with clenched fists.
ICE also disputed the reported injuries, saying the student had not suffered broken bones and had not requested medical assistance. The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the circumstances of the encounter and the extent of the student's injuries.
The Santa Maria Police Department reportedly received information about the incident, while surveillance footage from a nearby business was turned over to investigators. Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch said on 26 October that his office was coordinating with the appropriate authorities to gather information and determine the next steps.
You don't hate this administration enough. I hope they sue.
— James Tate (@JamesTate121) October 24, 2026
A Santa Maria High School student with special needs was detained by federal immigration enforcement less than a half mile from the school campus on Thursday morning. The student, who was described as non-verbal, was on… pic.twitter.com/FI85gRfsX0
Fans Rally Behind Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel's post prompted an outpouring of support from followers, many of whom praised her for using her platform to speak out about the alleged incident. One commenter wrote: 'Thank you for believing every child is worthy of protection.'
Another follower praised the educator's willingness to speak up, writing: 'Love how you are using your platform. With you all the way!!!' Others echoed her anger, with one commenter highlighting her words: 'I've already cried about this, now I'm just mad.'
Some followers also expressed concern about the wider impact of immigration enforcement on families and communities. One commenter who said the incident happened in their hometown of Santa Maria described being frightened for the community, pointing to the area's large immigrant population.
Other commenters called for accountability and questioned what could be done to help the student. One follower urged people to 'charge them' and seek legal action, while another asked what support was available for the 20-year-old.
As authorities continue examining the encounter, Ms. Rachel's post has brought renewed attention to the allegations and the conflicting accounts of what happened to Zepeda. Neither the allegations against the agents nor ICE's account should be treated as independently established findings while the investigation continues.
