In brief
Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines public schools, has been detained by immigration authorities for allegedly working illegally in the U.S. His lawyers have requested a stay on deportation proceedings, while the school board has voted to place him on unpaid leave. The board chair has set a deadline for Roberts' legal team to provide proof of his legal work status, or risk further actions.
DES MOINES, Iowa — In a developing story, the leader of Des Moines public schools, Superintendent Ian Roberts, is currently entangled in legal battles after being detained by immigration authorities. Following his recent arrest, attorneys have sought to pause his deportation proceedings with a formal request submitted to an immigration court in Omaha.Attorney Alfredo Parrish, representing Roberts, confirmed the filing but didn’t divulge additional details, noting that a news conference will be held later for more information. Roberts, originally from Guyana, was apprehended last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which claims he has been residing and working in the U.S. unlawfully. In a rapid response, the Iowa state board moved to revoke his superintendent's license.The Des Moines school board convened and unanimously voted to place Roberts on unpaid leave, affecting a district that serves over 30,000 students and employs nearly 5,000 staff members. Board chair Jackie Norris emphasized the urgency of the situation, providing Roberts and his legal team with a deadline to supply evidence demonstrating his legal eligibility to work in the U.S. Failure to comply could lead to dismissal proceedings as early as Tuesday evening. Roberts, aged 54, is currently being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, located roughly 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.
