Iowa School Superintendent Ian Roberts Seeks Deportation Stay

Lawyers representing Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, have filed a request to pause his deportation proceedings following his detention by immigration authorities. The request was submitted to the federal immigration court in Omaha by attorney Alfredo Parrish, although details of the filing remain confidential.

Roberts, a native of Guyana, was detained last week by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who claimed he was residing and working in the United States illegally. Following his arrest, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked his superintendent license, prompting significant changes within the school district.

Response from School Board and Legal Team

In light of these developments, the Des Moines school board convened on March 4, 2024, to discuss Roberts’ situation. During the meeting, board chair Jackie Norris announced that Roberts has until noon on Tuesday to provide documentation proving his eligibility to work legally in the U.S. Failure to present such evidence could lead to dismissal proceedings against him.

The board is prepared to hold a special session as early as Tuesday evening to address the matter further. In the meantime, Roberts has been placed on unpaid leave from his position, which oversees a student body of more than 30,000 and nearly 5,000 employees.

Current Status of Ian Roberts

As of now, Ian Roberts remains in custody at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa, located approximately 240 kilometers northwest of Des Moines. His legal team is expected to hold a news conference later on Tuesday to discuss the situation and outline their next steps.

The unfolding events have attracted significant attention, raising questions about immigration policy and its implications for educational leaders. The outcome of this case may have broader ramifications for other educators in similar situations across the country.