Des Moines Superintendent Arrested by ICE Sparks Shock Across Iowa
Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Andre Roberts was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after officials said he had been living and working in the U.S. illegally. According to ICE, Roberts entered the country on a student visa in 1999 but a final removal order was issued in 2024.
During the arrest, Roberts allegedly attempted to flee in a school vehicle, later found abandoned. Officers reported recovering a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and cash from his possession, raising additional federal concerns.
Des Moines Public Schools Responds
The DMPS School Board voted unanimously to place Roberts on paid administrative leave. Matt Smith, associate superintendent, has been appointed to oversee district operations. Board Chair Jackie Norris stated the district was unaware of Roberts’ immigration status and called the allegations “very serious.”
The district also confirmed Roberts had cleared background checks and employment eligibility verification at the time of his hiring.
Community and Officials React
The arrest has drawn widespread reactions:
| Stakeholder | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Gov. Kim Reynolds | Called the arrest “shocking” and emphasized equal enforcement of laws. |
| Iowa State Education Association | Praised Roberts as an advocate for students. |
| Local Activists | Organized protests demanding his release. |
Parents and teachers remain concerned about the impact on more than 30,000 students in Iowa’s largest school district.
Who Is Ian Roberts?
Roberts, originally from Guyana, is a former Olympian who competed in track and field at the 2000 Sydney Games. He became superintendent in 2023 and led initiatives including a five-year “Reimagining Education” plan.
