Iowa School Superintendent Ian Roberts Resigns Amid Deportation Challenge

DES MOINES, Iowa — The superintendent of Des Moines public schools, Ian Roberts, has resigned from his position while actively challenging a deportation order. Roberts, who was recently detained by immigration authorities, submitted his resignation on Tuesday, according to his legal team.

Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that his client had previously been informed by a prior attorney that his immigration case was ‘resolved successfully.’ Parrish’s firm has filed a request for a stay of deportation with the federal immigration court in Omaha, Nebraska, and is preparing another motion to reopen the educator’s immigration proceedings.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts last week, alleging the Guyana native and former Olympic runner was residing and working in the U.S. illegally. Consequently, a state board revoked Roberts’ superintendent license.

The Des Moines school board had voted Monday night to place Roberts on unpaid leave. Board chair Jackie Norris indicated Roberts had until Tuesday noon to provide documentation proving his legal work status, or face dismissal. Roberts, through his attorney, submitted an immediate resignation, citing a desire to prevent distraction for district leaders and teachers.

Roberts, 54, remains held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City. Attorney Parrish highlighted Roberts’ significant contributions to the community and expressed gratitude for public support, noting Roberts’ high spirits despite the ‘very complex case’ involving multiple jurisdictions.

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn’s office released a redacted excerpt of Roberts’ May 2024 removal order on Tuesday, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request. The document alleges Roberts failed to appear at a removal hearing or seek other relief, leading an immigration judge to order his voluntary departure or deportation.

Parrish is gathering information about these proceedings but shared a March 2025 letter from Roberts’ former Texas attorney, Jackeline Gonzalez, which stated his case had been ‘successfully resolved.’ Norris confirmed the Des Moines district was unaware of the removal order until Monday. Roberts had reportedly attested to U.S. citizenship upon hiring, providing a Social Security card and driver’s license. Traffic citations from 2023 and 2024 showed Roberts using different Maryland driver’s licenses, and he has been registered to vote in Maryland since at least 2017. Property records indicate he and his wife own a home in Denton County, Texas.

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