Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts Detained by ICE, Placed on Leave Amid Immigration Dispute

Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, has been detained by immigration officers and subsequently placed on paid administrative leave by the Des Moines Public School Board. The Department of Homeland Security alleges Roberts is in the country illegally and faces weapon possession charges, claims that have sent shockwaves through the community.

Roberts, a former Olympian who represented Guyana in the 2000 Summer Olympics, was detained on Friday. The school board voted on Saturday to place him on leave, citing his inability to perform duties, though Board Chair Jackie Norris emphasized that the full facts are still emerging. The district maintains it was unaware of a final removal order for Roberts issued in 2024, and that Roberts had stated he was a US citizen on his job application.

The superintendent’s arrest has sparked community protests and rallies from local education and immigration advocacy groups. DHS has labeled Roberts a “criminal alien” and a public safety threat, stating he was found with a loaded handgun, cash, and a hunting knife at the time of his arrest. Federal law prohibits individuals without legal US status from owning firearms.

Conversely, the Des Moines Public Schools board has defended Roberts, calling him an “integral part of our school community.” Roberts had disclosed a prior weapon charge related to a hunting rifle during his hiring process in 2023, for which he pleaded guilty in Pennsylvania in 2022, explaining it as an incident where he was cited for having a loaded weapon in his vehicle while hunting. Interim Superintendent Matt Smith has been appointed as the board awaits further details.

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