DES MOINES, Iowa — Lawyers representing Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines public schools, have filed a request with the federal immigration court in Omaha to suspend deportation proceedings against him. Attorney Alfredo Parrish stated that this motion was submitted under seal and further details will be disclosed at a press conference later today.

Roberts, originally from Guyana, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week, with officials claiming he is living and working in the country illegally. Following this, the state board has revoked his superintendent license.

In light of these events, the Des Moines school board convened on Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave from his role, which oversees over 30,000 students and 5,000 employees.

Board chair Jackie Norris emphasized the urgency of the situation, giving Roberts and his legal team until noon today to furnish documentation proving his legal right to work in the U.S. If they fail to do so, dismissal proceedings will quickly follow, with the board potentially reconvening for a special session later this evening.

Currently, Roberts remains at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa, about 150 miles northwest of Des Moines.