In a surprising turn of events, the head of Iowa's biggest school system was put on leave after being detained by immigration officials. The Des Moines school board made this decision quickly, saying they needed more time to understand the situation. They mentioned that the superintendent, Ian Roberts, couldn't do his job right now.

The news came after federal agents said Roberts was in the country without proper documents and didn't have permission to work. He was stopped while driving a school car and later caught with the help of state troopers. The school board said they had no idea about any immigration issues Roberts might have had.

Roberts has a law firm now to help him with this situation. The school district said they did background checks before hiring him, and everything seemed fine. They also said Roberts told them about a past issue with a hunting rifle, but it didn't stop him from getting the job.

Roberts was born to parents from Guyana and spent his childhood in New York. He even competed in the Olympics for Guyana. Immigration officials said he came to the U. S. on a student visa in 1999.

A former Guyanese police official remembered Roberts as a promising person. He said Roberts served in the police force for a few years before leaving to move to the U. S. The official said Roberts was a good and disciplined man.

The Iowa Department of Education is now looking at how the school district checks if people can legally work in the U. S. This situation has raised questions about background checks and immigration policies.

GUYANESE

A School Leader's Sudden Detention