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ST. LOUIS — Schools around the St. Louis area are bracing for possible immigration raids after President Donald Trump’s administration rescinded a ban on enforcement actions in “sensitive� settings.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,� a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement last month.

The St. Louis Board of Education on Monday passed a resolution “to affirm its commitment to a safe and supportive school environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.�

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 St. Louis Public Schools, 12% of students are learning English, an indication of recent immigration.

There are 335 students and growing in the district’s Nahed Chapman New American Academy, where Spanish is the most common native language.

“I’m really thankful for our resolution and that we passed it,� SLPS board member Emily Hubbard said during the meeting. “I think it’s going to mean a lot to our community.�

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.

“Direct ICE agent(s) to remain outside, in the secure vestibule, or in an office within the main office (away from students),� reads a letter sent Friday to Webster Groves School District staff from Superintendent John Simpson. “Upon arrival, the Superintendent or designee will work in conjunction with legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies.�

City of St. Charles School District Superintendent Jason Sefrit said last month that the district and its legal team developed a plan regarding “the change in administration and how it impacts our immigrant families.�

About 5% of the district’s 4,493 students are English language learners.

“We understand that many of you might feel anxious or worried, but please know no one is alone in our district,� Sefrit wrote in an email to staff Jan. 24. “We have many resources that will help us continue to meet the needs of our SCSD families and staff.�

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.

“It’s something we’re keeping internal to keep students and staff safe,� Plummer-Shepheard said.

Most area school districts with the highest proportions of English language learners — including Affton, Bayless, Hancock Place and Parkway — said they have not seen attendance dip after the change in immigration enforcement rules.

But attendance at Ritenour’s school for immigrant students has fallen by 20% since Trump’s second inauguration, and an elementary teacher in SLPS said attendance has plummeted among Hispanic students.

The stakes are high for most school districts in St. Louis 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 “everything possible to ensure our children’s safety and well-being.�

“There is power in our diversity,� she said. “And as a school district, we stand ready to serve.�

Maplewood Richmond Heights last week for families including “A Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement� from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.

“Immigrant 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,� reads the district’s message. “Their presence is not just welcomed, but celebrated, and we are grateful for the financial support they provide during times of declining enrollment.�