Webster Groves Police Address ICE Concerns

Webster Groves police will not be “deputized” by ICE. Instead, Police Chief Vincent Acevez says his officers will focus on public safety and trust.  

Speaking at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Acevez explained the city’s relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after citizens expressed concern about its potential presence in the community. 

“Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows ICE to enter into agreements with state or local law enforcement agencies, authorizing trained officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions,” Acevez said. “Webster Groves PD has not adopted and will not adopt a 287(g) agreement.”

Also known as “deputizing,” Section 287(g) grants police departments the ability to make agreements with ICE to facilitate practices such as transferring immigrants into federal custody. While the program has been around for years, it recently received financial reinforcement, allowing officers to earn overtime for up to 25% of their salary, as well as various benefits for their station. 

A number of citizens voiced opposition to supporting a partnership between the Webster Groves Police Department and ICE, prompting Acevez to go before the council to address police procedure. 

Acevez stressed that there has been no recent ICE activity within Webster Groves. However, the presence of federal immigration officials has been tracked in some areas of metropolitan St. Louis.  

“…In my almost two years of being here in Webster Groves, we have not dealt with ICE – ICE has not been in here to the best of my knowledge,” Acevez said. “And usually federal agencies will notify you if they’re coming in, ICE being no different.” 

While not actively engaging with ICE, there are situations in which police may partner in enforcement due to state and federal law.

“If ICE notifies Webster Groves PD of a planned activity in Webster Groves … Webster Groves PD may assign an officer to monitor the situation for everyone’s safety, which is consistent with how we respond to notifications from any other law enforcement agency,” Acevez said. “If ICE requests emergency assistance, Webster Groves Police Department would provide mutual aid, as required by state law.”

The chief also stated that the department doesn’t routinely report individuals to ICE; however, if an undocumented individual is identified when arrested for a “serious criminal charge,” ICE may be notified. Additionally, under Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 2505, police are required to share immigration status in a statewide database for individuals charged with crimes in Missouri. 

“Webster Groves Police Department is committed to serving every member of our community in a lawful, professional and impartial manner while maintaining public safety and trust. Our focus remains local public safety,” Acevez said.

There is understandable concern among some at Webster University, as the Webster Groves campus is home to thousands of international students. Patrick Giblin, the university’s director of Public Relations, confirms that ICE has never been on campus.

Regardless, the university encourages students to know their rights in the event that they are approached by ICE or other law enforcement officials. In early 2025, the university released a statement reaffirming its “commitment to an inclusive and supportive community,” including resources, guidelines and protocol around federal immigration authorities. 

Among these are “No Disclosure Without Legal Mandate — Webster does not share student or employee information unless legally required (e.g., court order, subpoena),” and 

“Limited Assistance — Public Safety does not assist ICE or other agencies in immigration enforcement unless required by law.”

The prior statement expresses that students have the right to remain silent, including about their immigration status. It also notes that ICE needs a valid warrant signed by a judge to enter a private area, such as a dorm or home.

For more information about rights and policy in relation to ICE, students are encouraged to utilize the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center.