The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, one of Iowa’s largest school districts, was arrested Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), creating confusion and a political firestorm.
Ian Roberts, who took over the district in 2023, was detained after ICE said he had a “final order of removal” issued by an immigration judge in May 2024. The Department of Homeland Security alleged Roberts, a former Olympic athlete from Guyana, tried to evade arrest and illegally possessed a loaded firearm.
Sam Olson, head of ICE’s St. Paul field office, said Roberts’ hiring despite his status was “beyond comprehension.” Roberts also reportedly had a weapons charge on his record since 2020.
District officials insisted no issues appeared during his hiring and said he had held leadership roles in multiple states. “No one here was aware of any citizenship or immigration issues,” said school board chair Jackie Norris, who added Roberts was placed on administrative leave by a unanimous 7-0 vote.
Parents and politicians reacted sharply, with Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) calling the arrest “shocking,” while supporters rallied for Roberts. An interim superintendent, Matt Smith, has been appointed as the district braces for further fallout.
Sources
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