Immigration Rights & Resources

Navigating Immigration Enforcement in St. Charles County

With recent changes to Missouri state law and new partnerships between law enforcement and ICE, it’s important for our neighbors to stay informed. Here is what you need to know about how immigration enforcement currently works in St. Charles City, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville, and the surrounding county:

1. The Highway Patrol is Now Partnered with ICE 🛣️

As of 2025, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has entered a 287(g) Task Force agreement. This means troopers patrolling our highways (I-70, I-64, etc.) are trained and authorized to act as immigration officers during routine traffic stops.

2. Local Police Status 🚔

Local departments like St. Charles City, St. Peters, O’Fallon and Wentzville PD do not have formal 287(g) “deputization” agreements. However, they do share fingerprint data with federal databases during jail bookings through the “Secure Communities” program.

3. Your Rights are Still Yours ⚖️

Regardless of your status, you have constitutional rights:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status.
• The Right to a Lawyer: If detained, do not sign any documents without speaking to an attorney.
• Warrants Matter: You do not have to let anyone into your home or car without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. (An “ICE Warrant” or Form I-200 is generally not enough for entry without consent.)

Official Information on 287(g):

• ICE List of Participating Agencies: Verify active agreements directly.
  • ICE.gov 287(g) Program
• Missouri Executive Order 25-04: The document authorizing the Highway Patrol’s partnership.
  • Governor’s Office EO 25-04

Local Legal Aid & Advocacy:

• MICA Project (Migrant and Immigrant Community Action): Expert legal defense for deportation and asylum.
  • mica-project.org | (314) 995-6995
• Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM): Provides civil legal assistance for low-income residents in St. Charles County.
  • lsem.org | (314) 534-4200
• St. Francis Community Services: Bilingual legal aid and family support.
  • sfcsstl.org | (314) 977-3993

St. Charles Specific Social Services:

• Vitendo 4 Africa (V4A): A local organization based in the area specifically helping immigrant families navigate St. Charles County resources.
  • vitendo4africa.org | (314) 252-0488
• Community Council of St. Charles County: A directory for food, housing, and utility assistance.
  • communitycouncilstc.org | Dial 2-1-1