DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lawyers for the Des Moines public schools leader detained by immigration authorities have asked an immigration court to put deportation proceedings on hold. Attorney Alfredo Parrish stated that his law firm filed the request for stay with the federal immigration court in Omaha on behalf of Superintendent Ian Roberts. Although the filing was made under seal, Parrish announced plans for a news conference later Tuesday.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts last week, alleging that the Guyanese native was residing and working in the U.S. illegally. Following this, a state board quickly revoked his superintendent license. The Des Moines school board voted on Monday evening to place Roberts on unpaid leave while the board chair, Jackie Norris, informed that his legal team has until noon on Tuesday to present documentation verifying his legal work status, or else he would face dismissal proceedings. The board may convene as soon as Tuesday evening in a special session. Currently, Roberts, 54, remains incarcerated at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa, approximately 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts last week, alleging that the Guyanese native was residing and working in the U.S. illegally. Following this, a state board quickly revoked his superintendent license. The Des Moines school board voted on Monday evening to place Roberts on unpaid leave while the board chair, Jackie Norris, informed that his legal team has until noon on Tuesday to present documentation verifying his legal work status, or else he would face dismissal proceedings. The board may convene as soon as Tuesday evening in a special session. Currently, Roberts, 54, remains incarcerated at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa, approximately 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.
