Key Details of the Superintendent’s Arrest
Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Friday morning. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Roberts was detained for being in the country illegally and had prior charges related to weapon possession. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife, which are all violations of federal law if an individual is not legally present in the United States.
Roberts, who has decades of experience as an educator, previously competed as an Olympic athlete for Guyana. His arrest came as part of a “targeted enforcement operation” and occurred after ICE officers approached him. He fled the scene but was later apprehended. The incident sparked widespread concern and community reactions across Iowa.
Divergent Portraits of the Superintendent
The Department of Homeland Security described Roberts as a “criminal alien” and suggested he posed a public safety threat. However, the Des Moines Public Schools board presented a different narrative. Board president Jackie Norris emphasized that Roberts was an integral part of the school community, having contributed significantly to students and staff. She noted that Roberts had disclosed his weapon charge related to a hunting rifle when he was hired, and the district had been informed of this information.
Despite the DHS’s claims, the district stated that it had no knowledge of a final order of removal issued to Roberts by an immigration judge in May 2024. However, Roberts did inform the school board about his firearms offense during the hiring process, and the district said he provided sufficient context to proceed with his employment.
Community Protests and Support
The arrest of Roberts led to protests outside the federal courthouse in Des Moines. Demonstrators carried signs reading “Education, not deportation / Free Dr. Roberts.” Local education and immigration advocacy groups rallied behind the superintendent, expressing concerns over the impact of such actions on the community.
Hundreds attended a community service in support of Roberts at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines on September 26, 2025. District teacher Mary Pat LaMair, one of the protesters, expressed her belief that the general public is not okay with the current situation. She emphasized the importance of community support and care during times of crisis.
Background and Career of the Superintendent
Ian Roberts was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and spent most of his formative years in Brooklyn, New York. Before becoming an educator, he was an Olympic athlete, competing in track and field at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. His long educational career included positions in various cities, including New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Oakland, California, and Erie, Pennsylvania.
Roberts was named superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools in 2023. He oversaw over 30,000 students in the district and had previously worked at public schools across the country. Another administrator, Matt Smith, has taken the role of interim superintendent in the meantime.
Legal and Immigration Context
Public records show that Roberts pleaded guilty to a weapon charge in Pennsylvania in 2022. CNN has been unable to verify whether Roberts had a separate charge from 2020. The district also confirmed that Roberts submitted an employment eligibility verification form and an I-9 as part of the hiring process.
According to the DHS, Roberts entered the United States on a student visa in 1999 and was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024. Despite this, the district was unaware of the order and only learned about the firearm charge during the hiring process.
Political and Social Reactions
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, was made aware of the incident and is in contact with local and federal authorities. The Iowa State Education Association and Des Moines Education Association expressed shock at Roberts’ detention, describing him as a “tremendous advocate” for students.
The Directors Council, a nonprofit group serving Des Moines’ Black community, identified Roberts as a board member and offered their full support in a post on Facebook. They highlighted his contributions to the community and his dedication to equity and family support.
In a video statement posted on their Facebook page, organizers from the Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice described the news of the superintendent’s detention as shocking and scary for immigrant communities. They raised concerns about the fear among families regarding potential actions by immigration agents.
Ongoing Developments
The Des Moines School Board has scheduled a special closed-session meeting on Saturday to discuss the arrest and Roberts’ status with the district. The incident has created a sense of fear among students, families, and staff, particularly in one of the state’s most diverse school districts.
As the situation unfolds, the community continues to rally around Roberts, emphasizing the importance of supporting educators and leaders who have made significant contributions to their communities. The case highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, education, and public safety, raising questions about the broader implications for individuals and families in similar situations.
