In a stunning turn of events, Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools—the largest district in Iowa—was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday and accused of living and working in the United States illegally. By Monday, he had lost his state education license and was placed on unpaid leave, igniting a firestorm of legal, political, and community debate.
Ian Roberts, former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent, arrested by ICE on September 27, 2025. — Photo: The New York Times
Who Is Ian Roberts?
Born in Guyana, Roberts built a two-decade career in U.S. education, serving as a superintendent in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri, New York, and Washington, D.C. A former Olympic runner for Guyana, he was known for his hands-on leadership—racing students during school visits and championing racial equity initiatives.
He was hired by Des Moines in 2023 with a $286,000 base salary and quickly gained community support after the district earned improved marks on a state evaluation just weeks before his arrest.
Timeline of the Crisis
- May 2024: ICE issues deportation order against Roberts.
- September 27, 2025: ICE arrests Roberts outside his home; he flees briefly and is found carrying a gun and knife.
- September 28: School board places him on paid leave.
- September 29: Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revokes his license.
- September 30: Des Moines school board votes unanimously to place him on unpaid leave.
How Did This Happen?
According to ICE, Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was ordered deported in May 2024. Yet he continued working across multiple states—raising serious questions about employment verification systems like E-Verify and I-9 compliance.
Employment Verification Breakdown
| Document Provided | Claimed Status | Verification Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s License | U.S. Citizen | Does not prove citizenship |
| Social Security Card | Work Authorized | Can be obtained by non-citizens with valid status |
| I-9 Form | Completed at hire | Not always cross-checked with federal databases |
Political and Community Fallout
Iowa Republicans, including Rep. Randy Feenstra, condemned the hiring, with Feenstra stating Roberts “should never be near children.” Meanwhile, community members and former officials like ex-state Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad urged caution, noting the lack of due process.
“Two things can be true at the same time — Dr. Roberts was an effective and well-respected leader, and there are serious questions related to his citizenship,” said Jackie Norris, school board chair and U.S. Senate candidate.
Infographic: The Path of an Undocumented Educator
How Ian Roberts navigated the U.S. education system for over 20 years despite immigration status issues.
What Happens Next?
The school board has given Roberts’ attorney until noon Tuesday to refute ICE’s claims. If no evidence is provided, the district will begin termination proceedings. Meanwhile, federal authorities are investigating how Roberts maintained employment across six jurisdictions without legal work authorization.
