St. Paul school committee adopts emergency policy limiting federal immigration enforcement on district property

The St. Paul Committee of the Board voted Feb. 4 to adopt an emergency policy that restricts federal immigration-enforcement activities on school district–controlled property, making the measures effective immediately for up to one year while the policy moves to a second reading for permanent consideration.

Director Carlo Franco introduced the proposal, saying the policy codifies existing district practice and gives staff ‘‘clear guidance and protections’’ when federal agents seek access to district facilities. The policy prohibits federal immigration-enforcement officers from accessing district property, interviewing students or conducting enforcement activities on district property except when compelled by a valid judicial warrant or court order.

Under the adopted document, administrative warrants, detainers or notices of inspection do not, by themselves, authorize entry or enforcement on district property. The policy directs staff to refer any request by federal law enforcement to the office of general counsel and the superintendent or their designees; verification of legal sufficiency is to be conducted by district legal counsel. The policy also forbids district employees, contractors or volunteers from providing assistance to federal immigration enforcement — including interpretation, translation, facilitating communication or directing individuals — unless legally compelled.

Board members discussed operational and communication details before the vote. Director (speaker label S10) said invoking the emergency clause was warranted by what she called an ‘‘unprecedented’’ deployment of federal agents and the resulting community disruption; another board member emphasized that the policy language reiterates prior board resolutions and existing staff practices. General counsel Katie Bergstrom was identified during discussion as the point of contact for verification of warrants.

The policy also requires annual staff training on response protocols, mandates multilingual public communication of the policy to students, families and staff, and instructs staff to document all encounters with law enforcement (agency name, badge number if provided, date, time and the district’s response). The policy affirms nonretaliation protections and equal access to education regardless of immigration status.

The motion to adopt the policy under the district’s emergency provision was moved by the meeting chair and seconded by Director Chantelle Allen. The committee approved the motion and the policy will remain in effect immediately for one year unless the board acts earlier; it will return for the second reading and a vote for permanent adoption at a subsequent regular board meeting.

The committee adjourned at 7:06 p.m. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., where further discussion and any required ratification may occur.