Des Moines superintendent detained by ICE resigning from his position
Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts speaks during the Standing Up For Public Education Rally at Goodrell Middle School in Des Moines
By Michelle Watson, CNN
(CNN) — Ian Roberts, the leader of Des Moines’ schools who was detained by immigration agents last week, is resigning, his lawyer said Tuesday.
“We will today be sending a letter to the Des Moines school board authorized by Dr. Roberts to resign his position as the superintendent of Des Moines public schools,” his attorney Alfredo Parrish said during a news conference.
“Out of concern for his 30,000 students, Dr. Roberts does not want to distract the Board, educators, and staff from focusing on educating DMPS’s students,” the letter said.
Roberts was detained Friday morning by immigration agents, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which said the educator was in the country illegally and had existing weapon possession charges.
He was placed on paid and then unpaid leave by the Des Moines School Board. The board had given him a deadline of Tuesday afternoon to clarify his citizenship status.
Parrish said his office filed a motion to stay Monday for Roberts’ case, and he was in the process of filing a motion to reopen the case as of Tuesday.
“We’re not at liberty to talk about that motion to stay today, we’re in the process of filing a motion to reopen the case,” Parrish said.
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