DES MOINES, Iowa — Ian Roberts, the Superintendent of Des Moines public schools, has found himself in a precarious situation after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. His legal team has filed a request in an immigration court in Omaha to stay deportation proceedings against him. Attorney Alfredo Parrish indicated that the filing, made under seal, will be further discussed at a news conference scheduled later today.
ICE detained Roberts last week, claiming that he is a native of Guyana who has been living and working in the United States unlawfully. Following the detainment, the state board moved quickly to revoke Roberts' superintendent license.
Due to these developments, the Des Moines school board voted Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave from his role overseeing the district, which educates more than 30,000 students and employs nearly 5,000 staff members.
Jackie Norris, the board chair, has set a deadline of noon on Tuesday for Roberts and his legal representation to present documentation proving his eligibility to work in the United States. Without this evidence, they will initiate dismissal proceedings against him. The board may convene a special session as early as Tuesday evening.
Roberts, aged 54, remains detained at the Woodbury County Jail located in Sioux City, Iowa, roughly 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.}
ICE detained Roberts last week, claiming that he is a native of Guyana who has been living and working in the United States unlawfully. Following the detainment, the state board moved quickly to revoke Roberts' superintendent license.
Due to these developments, the Des Moines school board voted Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave from his role overseeing the district, which educates more than 30,000 students and employs nearly 5,000 staff members.
Jackie Norris, the board chair, has set a deadline of noon on Tuesday for Roberts and his legal representation to present documentation proving his eligibility to work in the United States. Without this evidence, they will initiate dismissal proceedings against him. The board may convene a special session as early as Tuesday evening.
Roberts, aged 54, remains detained at the Woodbury County Jail located in Sioux City, Iowa, roughly 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.}
