Iowa School Superintendent Placed on Leave After Arrest by Immigration Agents Sparks Shock and Questions
The Des Moines Public Schools Board has placed Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid administrative leave following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roberts, who leads Iowa’s largest school district with more than 30,000 students, was taken into custody Friday after ICE officials alleged he was living and working in the country illegally.
During a brief meeting on Saturday, the school board voted unanimously to suspend Roberts’ duties, citing the urgent need to ensure leadership continuity within the district. School board President Jackie Norris described the day as “jarring” and emphasized that board members are still waiting for full details before determining the district’s next steps.
Why Was Ian Roberts Arrested?
According to ICE, Roberts entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa but never obtained legal authorization to remain in the country. The agency said he had been subject to a final removal order since 2024.
ICE reported that Roberts was driving a school-issued vehicle when he was stopped by agents. He allegedly attempted to flee into a wooded area before being apprehended with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol. He is currently being held in Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, approximately 150 miles from Des Moines.
District Leaders Defend Hiring Process
Norris clarified that the school board and district officials were unaware of any immigration concerns during Roberts’ hiring process. She confirmed that Roberts had signed official paperwork affirming he was a U.S. citizen and that multiple background checks conducted by external firms showed no red flags.
Similarly, the Iowa Department of Education stated that Roberts claimed U.S. citizenship when applying for an administrator’s license. The agency noted that the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners conducted both state and federal background checks before issuing the license. The department has since launched a review of the district’s hiring procedures to ensure compliance with federal work authorization requirements.
Key Points from the District and State Reviews:
| Area of Concern | What Officials Said |
|---|---|
| Citizenship Verification | Roberts signed a form declaring he was a U.S. citizen |
| Background Checks | Multiple checks revealed no citizenship problems |
| License Application | Roberts claimed U.S. citizenship to obtain his license |
| Ongoing Actions | State reviewing district hiring procedures |
Legal Representation and Ongoing Case
Roberts has retained the services of Alfredo Parrish, a well-known Des Moines attorney. While Parrish confirmed his firm is representing Roberts, he declined to provide further details about the case.
The accusations, Norris said, are “very serious,” and the board is prepared to take further action depending on the outcome of Roberts’ legal situation.
A Look at Roberts’ Background
Roberts was born to Guyanese immigrant parents and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Before beginning his career in education, he represented Guyana as a middle-distance runner at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
He also briefly served in the Guyana Police Force, where he was considered a disciplined and promising officer. Retired Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe recalled Roberts as “a good, promising and disciplined man” who voluntarily left the force to pursue other opportunities.
What Happens Next for Iowa’s Largest School District?
With Roberts on leave, Des Moines school officials are expected to reassess leadership responsibilities in the coming days to ensure stability for students, staff, and parents. The board has not yet named an interim superintendent, but Norris confirmed the district is closely monitoring the situation as legal proceedings unfold.
The case has raised significant questions about immigration enforcement, school leadership accountability, and the effectiveness of background check processes in public education hiring.
