For many in Des Moines, Dr. Ian Roberts isn’t just the superintendent; he’s a pivotal figure in their educational community, even being recognized as Principal of the Year in the past. Yet, from the viewpoint of the Department of Homeland Security, he has been labeled a criminal alien, posing a risk to public safety.
This dichotomy erupted on Friday when ICE arrested Roberts, a professional educator with an extensive background who assumed the role of superintendent at Des Moines Public Schools in 2023. His unexpected detention was part of a targeted enforcement operation, sending shockwaves through the local community he has dedicated years of service to.
According to immigration officials, Roberts, originally from Guyana, is considered to be in the U.S. illegally due to a work permit that expired back in 2020. They claim that an immigration judge issued a final removal order against him in May 2024, prompting this morning’s actions.
Upon ICE’s approach, Robert allegedly fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle near some trees, only to be later found in possession of a loaded handgun, which violates federal law for undocumented individuals.
A Surge of Protests
The news of Roberts’ arrest has understandably stirred discontent within the Des Moines community, where he has been serving around 30,000 students. It has occurred during a period of intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, steering towards what might be the most extensive deportation initiative in U.S. history.
President Donald Trump campaigned on clamping down on the worst offenders when it came to deportations; however, statistics reveal that close to 70% of those detained by ICE actually have no criminal backgrounds. Recent polls have even indicated a drop in approval of Trump’s immigration policies, from 50% in March to a mere 43% now.
In response to Roberts’ arrest, crowds gathered outside the federal courthouse in Des Moines to demand his release, wielding signs proclaiming Free Dr. Roberts. This movement saw involvement from teachers, local students, and concerned parents everything rallied to lift the superintendent’s spirits in this tough moment.
The local school district appeared caught off guard by these events. School Board Chair Jackie Norris voiced her call for radical empathy while further clarity around the issue is pursued, stating, “We still lack complete information about the situation. Yet, one clear thing is that Dr. Roberts is a vital part of our educational environment since he arrived two years ago.”
Despite ongoing investigations, the School Board made the decision late Saturday to place Roberts on administrative leave. As Board member Kimberly Martorano indicated, although much remains unclear, it’s evident that Roberts currently cannot fulfill his responsibilities as superintendent.
The district had not been previously informed of his 2024 removal order. According to Norris, official documents affirm that Dr. Roberts is a citizen.
Roberts’ biography published on the Des Moines Public Schools website highlights his upbringing as a son of Guyanese immigrants, predominantly raised in Brooklyn, NY. With over two decades in the education sector spanning teaching and leadership roles, Robert’s credentials are high, including his participation as a track and field athlete at the 2000 Olympic Games and advanced degrees from prestigious universities.
ICE contended post-arrest that Roberts faced weapon possession charges dating back to 2020, though he had revealed this incident to the school during his hiring and had discussed it publicly.
The Greater Impact
Mazie Stilwell, executive director of Progress Iowa and a involved parent, expressed her outrage at Roberts’ arrest declaring it an infringement on community rights. “Current attacks on freedom are affecting us all. Every Iowan needs to protest and demand safety from such unjust actions,” said Stilwell.
Both the Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown and Des Moines Education Association President Anne Cross echoed concerns about the shocking conditions surrounding Roberts’ detention. They praised his unwavering advocacy for students and communities, stressing that his nonpartisan approach to leadership serves all kids at Des Moines Public Schools despite varied backgrounds.
On the other side of the conversation, critics from the Republican sphere criticized the lengthy employment of what they claimed is a public safety risk. According to ICE’s St. Paul Field Office Director, Sam Olson, the incident underscores the urgent work law enforcement must undertake to mitigate public safety threats.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has called for immediate deportation for Roberts, affirming, “He should never have been allowed around our Iowa kids!” While Democratic Representative Larry McBurney labelled Robert’s case a disgrace, emphasizing that educational institutions ought not to be arenas for federal power struggles.
The next special session of the Des Moines school board is scheduled for September 27, reflecting ongoing attempts to deal with the ramifications of this alarming situation.
