DES MOINES, Iowa — Lawyers representing Ian Roberts, the Superintendent of Des Moines public schools, have submitted a request to a federal immigration court in Omaha to suspend deportation proceedings against him. Attorney Alfredo Parrish stated the filing was made under seal and a press conference is planned for later today.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, was detained last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who alleged that he was residing and employed in the country illegally. Following his detention, the Iowa state board revoked his superintendent's license.
In response to these developments, the Des Moines school board convened on Monday evening and voted to place Roberts on unpaid leave, affecting a district that serves over 30,000 students and employs nearly 5,000 staff members.
The board chair, Jackie Norris, has set a deadline for Roberts and his legal advisors to submit documents that prove his legal eligibility to work in the U.S. Failure to do so by noon today may prompt the board to initiate dismissal proceedings. A special session may occur as early as Tuesday evening to discuss these matters further.
Currently, Roberts, aged 54, remains in custody at the Woodbury County Jail located approximately 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, was detained last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who alleged that he was residing and employed in the country illegally. Following his detention, the Iowa state board revoked his superintendent's license.
In response to these developments, the Des Moines school board convened on Monday evening and voted to place Roberts on unpaid leave, affecting a district that serves over 30,000 students and employs nearly 5,000 staff members.
The board chair, Jackie Norris, has set a deadline for Roberts and his legal advisors to submit documents that prove his legal eligibility to work in the U.S. Failure to do so by noon today may prompt the board to initiate dismissal proceedings. A special session may occur as early as Tuesday evening to discuss these matters further.
Currently, Roberts, aged 54, remains in custody at the Woodbury County Jail located approximately 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.
