Des Moines School Superintendent Placed on Leave Following ICE Detention

The Des Moines Public School Board voted unanimously on Saturday to place Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts on administrative leave following his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday. Board member Kimberly Martorano stated, "While there is still much that we don't know, what we do know is that Dr. Roberts is currently unavailable to perform his duties as superintendent." Consequently, former Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as interim superintendent until further notice.

Prior to the vote, the board acknowledged awareness of a previous firearm charge Roberts received in Pennsylvania before his hiring. However, the district indicated that Roberts had provided sufficient context and explanation to proceed with his employment. The district was not aware of a May 2024 removal order against Roberts, which mandated his departure from the United States. Board President Jackie Norris remarked, "Everything the district has on file affirms that Dr. Roberts is a citizen."

Roberts is currently held in Woodbury County Jail in northwest Iowa. ICE detained him on Friday morning, September 26, for allegedly being in the country illegally and possessing a loaded handgun. Federal law prohibits individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. from possessing firearms.

The Iowa Department of Education released a statement emphasizing its commitment to supporting safe and healthy learning environments and the importance of transparent licensure information. The statement noted that Roberts declared U.S. citizenship on his administrator licensure application under penalty of perjury. Standard procedures included criminal history checks with the Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI, revealing no deviations from established licensure processes. The department is reviewing the district's hiring procedures to ensure individuals are legally authorized to work in the United States. The statement concluded by underscoring the necessity for all educators and staff to adhere to the law to maintain public trust.