Des Moines Superintendent Detained by ICE After Years of Leading School District

Des Moines, Iowa — Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which reported that he was living and working in the United States without authorization. Roberts has been placed on paid administrative leave while legal proceedings move forward.

Since becoming superintendent in July 2023, Roberts oversaw more than 30,000 students across multiple schools and implemented initiatives aimed at improving student achievement and staff development. Teachers, staff, and parents have praised his leadership for fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Under his guidance, several schools in the district reported improvements in academic performance and student engagement.

Before joining Des Moines, Roberts held leadership positions in districts across the country and also represented Guyana in Olympic track and field competitions. His experience in education and athletics shaped his approach to student development and community engagement.

ICE officials said Roberts entered the country on a student visa in 1999 and had a final order of removal issued in May 2024. They reported that he was detained during a traffic stop involving a school-issued vehicle and that officers found a firearm, a hunting knife, and cash in his possession. The district and his colleagues have emphasized that his arrest does not reflect his contributions to the school system or the positive impact he has made on students and staff.

The Des Moines school board held a special meeting to place Roberts on administrative leave, noting that they were reviewing the situation carefully and that an interim superintendent has been appointed. Community members and teachers’ unions have voiced support for Roberts, highlighting the transformative work he has done within the district.

Education officials are examining the district’s hiring and background check processes to better understand how someone in a leadership role could face such an immigration issue. Meanwhile, students, teachers, and parents continue to recognize the influence Roberts has had on academic programs, staff mentorship, and community engagement.

Roberts remains in ICE custody, and the district has called for transparency and due process as the legal proceedings continue. His tenure serves as a reminder of the tangible difference one leader can make in a school district and the impact he has had on thousands of students’ lives.