Des Moines Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts Detained by ICE

Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday morning. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Roberts entered the U.S. from Guyana in 1999 on a student visa and was not authorized to work in the country. In May 2024, an immigration judge issued a final order of removal against him.

DHS reports that Roberts had a prior weapons possession charge from 2020. During his arrest, he was allegedly found with a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife in a school district vehicle.

Des Moines Public Schools Board President Jackie Norris stated that the district was unaware of Roberts' immigration status and is seeking more information.

Roberts has served as superintendent since July 2023, overseeing a district of over 30,000 students. He previously held educational leadership roles in various states and competed for Guyana in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Associate Superintendent Matt Smith has been appointed as interim superintendent.

The situation has prompted discussions about hiring practices and immigration enforcement within educational institutions.