Hillsdale Police, ICE Visit Ritenour Middle Without Warrant, Raising Community Concerns

The superintendent said it was the first time such an incident happened at a school campus in the Ritenour community.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A highly abstract, fragmented painting depicting a school building and police car in overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes of dark blue, grey, and red, conveying a sense of disruption and tension.The unannounced arrival of local police collaborating with federal immigration authorities at a diverse school campus has raised alarm in the community.St. Louis Today

In a concerning incident, the Hillsdale Police Department, working in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, arrived at Ritenour Middle School on Friday afternoon looking for three students. The superintendent, Dr. Chris Kilbride, rushed to the school and met with the officers, who had visited a home before coming to the school. The officers never entered the school building, but they did interact with school administrators. The school district promptly informed families about the situation to minimize disruptions to the school day.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing concerns within the community about the partnership between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, particularly the use of 287(g) agreements that allow local police to assist with immigration enforcement. Critics argue that these partnerships can lead to increased racial profiling and create an atmosphere of fear and distrust, making communities less safe.

The details

According to the superintendent, the Hillsdale Police Department is in partnership with ICE under a 287(g) agreement, which allows local law enforcement to assist with immigration enforcement. The officers had visited a home before coming to the school, but they never went beyond the parking lot before being redirected to the school's district office. The officers asked if three students were "in good standing," but the school could not share any information about the students without a warrant.

  • On Friday afternoon, the Hillsdale Police Department and ICE officers arrived at Ritenour Middle School.
  • In the next couple of weeks, the Ritenour School District is planning to hold virtual town halls for parents to ask questions about the incident.

The players

Dr. Chris Kilbride

The superintendent of the Ritenour School District, who rushed to the school and met with the officers.

Hillsdale Police Department

A local police department that is in partnership with ICE under a 287(g) agreement, allowing them to assist with immigration enforcement.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that the Hillsdale Police Department is working with under the 287(g) agreement.

Gabby Eissner

An advocacy strategist with the MICA Project, who expressed concerns about the rapid expansion of 287(g) partnerships in the region.

Ritenour School District

A diverse school district in St. Louis County, Missouri, with a student population that includes families who speak over 20 non-English languages.

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What they’re saying

“It's the first time that it's happened here in the Ritneour community at one of our school campuses, and to the best of my knowledge, it's the first time in St. Louis County and possibly the state.”

— Dr. Chris Kilbride, Superintendent, Ritenour School District

“We are really concerned with the rapid expansion of the 287(g) partnerships in the region, this is what we see when they enter into these, it increases racial profiling, creates chaos and makes our communities less safe.”

— Gabby Eissner, Advocacy Strategist, MICA Project

What’s next

In the next couple of weeks, the Ritenour School District is planning to hold virtual town halls for parents to ask questions about the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between local law enforcement, federal immigration authorities, and diverse communities. It raises concerns about the impact of 287(g) agreements on community trust, student learning, and overall school safety. The Ritenour School District's response demonstrates a commitment to transparency and minimizing disruptions, but the broader implications of these partnerships continue to be a source of concern for many.