Des Moines Schools in Crisis After ICE Arrests Superintendent Ian Roberts
In a stunning turn of events, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts has been placed on paid administrative leave after being arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and accused of living and working in the United States illegally. The arrest has sent shockwaves through Iowa’s largest school district—serving over 30,000 students—and ignited fierce debate over immigration enforcement, hiring vetting, and public trust.
Who Is Ian Roberts?
Roberts, a former Olympic track athlete for Guyana, had been superintendent since 2023 and quickly became a visible and popular figure in Des Moines. He championed racial equity initiatives, engaged with students and parents, and was actively campaigning for increased school funding. But behind his public persona lay a complex legal history: ICE says he entered the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa, received a deportation order in May 2024, and lacked authorization to work.
Key Allegations and Timeline
- ICE claims Roberts had a final deportation order and no work authorization.
- He was arrested near a trailer park after fleeing agents in a gray suit and pink shirt.
- Roberts previously pleaded guilty in Pennsylvania (2021–2022) to possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
- The Des Moines School Board placed him on paid leave in a unanimous 7–0 vote during a 3-minute emergency meeting.
Chronology of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Enters U.S. on student visa |
| 2021–2022 | Pleads guilty to firearm possession in Pennsylvania |
| May 2024 | Receives final deportation order from immigration judge |
| 2023 | Hired as Des Moines superintendent; claims U.S. citizenship on state license application |
| Sept 26, 2025 | Arrested by ICE |
| Sept 27, 2025 | Placed on paid administrative leave |
Community Reactions: Grief, Anger, and Confusion
Parents and educators expressed deep emotional turmoil. “It’s just shocking and confusing and makes me grieve for what was and never will be again,” said parent Elizabeth Talbert. Others questioned how Roberts passed background checks. The district confirmed an outside firm conducted the hiring search and background review—but noted immigration status was outside the firm’s scope.
Infographic: The Fall of a Public Figure
Caption: Ian Roberts, once celebrated for his leadership, now at the center of a national controversy. (Credit: The New York Times)
[INTERNAL_LINK:school leadership vetting] protocols are now under intense scrutiny as districts nationwide reassess hiring safeguards.
