ST. LOUIS 鈥 Schools around the 51黑料 area are bracing for possible immigration raids after President Donald Trump鈥檚 administration rescinded a ban on enforcement actions in 鈥渟ensitive鈥 settings.
鈥淐riminals will no longer be able to hide in America鈥檚 schools and churches to avoid arrest,鈥 a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement last month.
The 51黑料 Board of Education on Monday passed a resolution 鈥渢o affirm its commitment to a safe and supportive school environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.鈥
It is unknown how many students in Missouri are undocumented immigrants. While schools are not allowed to collect data on immigration status, fewer than 5% of students statewide are English language learners. In 51黑料 Public Schools, 12% of students are learning English, an indication of recent immigration.
People are also reading…
There are 335 students and growing in the district鈥檚 Nahed Chapman New American Academy, where Spanish is the most common native language.
Students eat lunch Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at the Nahed Chapman New American Academy in the Vandeventer neighborhood in 51黑料. Photo by Christine Tannous, ctannous@post-dispatch.com
鈥淚鈥檓 really thankful for our resolution and that we passed it,鈥 SLPS board member Emily Hubbard said during the meeting. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to mean a lot to our community.鈥
Under federal law, students cannot be denied an education based on their immigration status. But districts have started advising their staff on how to handle federal officials if they show up on campus. While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are now able to enter schools, they need a warrant signed by a state or federal judge to talk to students or access records.
鈥淒irect ICE agent(s) to remain outside, in the secure vestibule, or in an office within the main office (away from students),鈥 reads a letter sent Friday to Webster Groves School District staff from Superintendent John Simpson. 鈥淯pon arrival, the Superintendent or designee will work in conjunction with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies.鈥
City of St. Charles School District Superintendent Jason Sefrit said last month that the district and its legal team developed a plan regarding 鈥渢he change in administration and how it impacts our immigrant families.鈥
About 5% of the district鈥檚 4,493 students are English language learners.
鈥淲e understand that many of you might feel anxious or worried, but please know no one is alone in our district,鈥 Sefrit wrote in an email to staff Jan. 24. 鈥淲e have many resources that will help us continue to meet the needs of our SCSD families and staff.鈥
Communications Coordinator Mickie Plummer-Shepheard said a lot of students and families have expressed concerns about the federal immigration policies. She declined to comment on the specifics of the plan Sefrit referenced.
鈥淚t鈥檚 something we鈥檙e keeping internal to keep students and staff safe,鈥 Plummer-Shepheard said.
Most area school districts with the highest proportions of English language learners 鈥 including Affton, Bayless, Hancock Place and Parkway 鈥 said they have not seen attendance dip after the change in immigration enforcement rules.
But attendance at Ritenour鈥檚 school for immigrant students has fallen by 20% since Trump鈥檚 second inauguration, and an elementary teacher in SLPS said attendance has plummeted among Hispanic students.
The stakes are high for most school districts in 51黑料 city and county, where enrollment declines have accelerated since the pandemic.
In a rare exception, the School District of University City experienced a 9% enrollment growth in the past five years led by an influx of Spanish-speaking families.
Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley wrote in an email Thursday to families that the district will do 鈥渆verything possible to ensure our children鈥檚 safety and well-being.鈥
鈥淭here is power in our diversity,鈥 she said. 鈥淎nd as a school district, we stand ready to serve.鈥
Maplewood Richmond Heights last week for families including 鈥淎 Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement鈥 from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.
鈥淚mmigrant students are not just a part of our schools, they are an integral part of our community. Their diverse perspectives, cultural knowledge, and linguistic abilities enrich our classrooms and contribute to the vitality of our community,鈥 reads the district鈥檚 message. 鈥淭heir presence is not just welcomed, but celebrated, and we are grateful for the financial support they provide during times of declining enrollment.鈥
Ritenour School District superintendent Chris Kilbride says attendance at the district's International Welcome Center in St. Ann has dropped by 20% since the week before Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Video by Seeger Gray, sgray@post-dispatch.com
