Ian Andre Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested on Friday (September 26) by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Roberts, who is living in the United States illegally, also faces prior weapons charges. He was taken into custody on a fugitive warrant after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and being found with a loaded handgun, a large amount of cash, and a hunting knife.
Roberts, aged 54, was born in Guyana and moved to the United States, where he grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He has been the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools since July 2023, becoming the first person of color to hold the position in Iowa’s largest and most diverse school district. Previously, Roberts served as superintendent in Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, and held leadership roles in school districts in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and California.
According to the Des Moines Register, the Department of Homeland Security issued a final order of removal for Roberts’ deportation in May 2024. He is currently being held at the Pottawattamie County Jail in western Iowa.
Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris announced that Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as interim superintendent until further notice. Norris stated that the board is committed to maintaining a safe and outstanding education for all students and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Roberts, a former Olympic track and field athlete, has been involved in significant initiatives in the district, including the Reimagining Education campaign and the expansion of Montessori preschools. He has also been managing budget constraints and working to improve student outcomes.
The situation remains under investigation, and the district is awaiting further details on Roberts’ legal proceedings and potential deportation.
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