by Des Moines, IA – In a startling development, Ian Andre Roberts, superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools—the largest school district in Iowa—was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday. Roberts, who was reportedly living in the U.S. illegally after his student visa expired, faces prior weapons charges and was allegedly found with a loaded firearm in a vehicle linked to the school district.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Des Moines community, raising serious questions about the hiring and vetting process for high-profile public education positions. Authorities say Roberts fled from ICE agents, leading to a search where he was eventually found hidden near his abandoned vehicle.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
According to ICE, Roberts was apprehended on a fugitive warrant after he attempted to evade federal officers by speeding away. His vehicle was discovered abandoned, and a K-9 unit located Roberts about 200 yards south in the brush. Inside the car, authorities found:
- $3,000 in cash
- A fixed-blade hunting knife
- A loaded Glock 19 firearm
Sam Olson, Director of ICE Enforcement Removal Operations in St. Paul, criticized the circumstances leading to the employment of Roberts, saying,
“This suspect was arrested in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools after fleeing federal law enforcement. This should be a wake-up call for our communities to the great work that our officers are doing every day to remove public safety threats. How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”
Background on Ian Andre Roberts’ Immigration and Employment History
Roberts originally entered the U.S. legally on an F-1 student visa to attend St. John’s University in Queens, New York, on August 30, 1999. However, his visa expired, and authorities confirmed his employment authorization card expired in 2020. Since then, Roberts was considered to be living in the U.S. illegally.
ICE noted that Roberts had existing weapons possession charges dating back to February 5, 2020, when he was arrested by Port Authority Police. On May 22, 2024, a judge ordered his deportation in absentia, and a subsequent motion to reopen the case was denied on April 24, 2025, by an immigration judge in Dallas.
Professional Career and Community Involvement
Despite his complicated immigration status, Roberts was hired as superintendent on July 1, 2023, following a nationwide search aimed at finding qualified leadership for Des Moines Public Schools. The school board highlighted Roberts’ background as an immigrant and his extensive experience in education across multiple states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Missouri.
Before his career in education, Roberts was an athlete who competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games representing Guyana as a middle-distance runner. He was also involved with The Directors Council, a coalition supporting Des Moines’ Black community through various nonprofits.
In a statement, The Directors Council said,
“Dr. Roberts has been a trusted partner, a dedicated advocate for equity, and an unwavering supporter of families and youth in Polk County. His contributions to both The Directors Council and the wider community are immeasurable, and we stand with him during this uncertain moment.”
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School District Response and Next Steps
The Des Moines School Board Chair, Jackie Norris, announced that Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as interim superintendent amid the investigation and ongoing legal proceedings. The board stated,
“This action follows Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this morning. We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps.”
As the situation unfolds, the district aims to maintain stability and integrity while supporting Roberts and his family through this challenging period. More updates will be provided as confirmed information becomes available.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Ian Andre Roberts is superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools since July 2023.
- He was living in the U.S. illegally after his student visa and work authorization expired.
- Roberts was arrested on a fugitive warrant for prior weapons possession charges.
- Authorities found a loaded Glock 19 and a hunting knife in his vehicle.
- The school district has appointed Matt Smith as interim superintendent.
- Roberts competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics for Guyana.
For more detailed background information on the arrest and charges, visit the full report at Fox News.
What do you think about this development involving the Des Moines Public Schools superintendent? How should school districts better vet candidates to ensure community safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
