In a bold move, the Des Moines Public Schools Board convened and unanimously agreed to place Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid leave following an encounter with immigration authorities, as announced by Chair Jackie Norris.
Why This is Significant
With President Trump ramping up efforts for mass deportations, Ian Roberts’ detention is casting a spotlight on how federal immigration enforcement is affecting local communities. Responsible for the education of around 30,000 students, Roberts is a key figure in Iowa’s capital. Born from Guyanese parents and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he has been highlighted in reports by the Associated Press referencing the district’s website.
Key Information
On September 27, Norris detailed that during the hiring process, Roberts identified himself as a U.S. citizen. The background check, carried out by an independent firm, revealed no red flags concerning his immigration status.
ICE stated that Roberts was driving when agents stopped him, leading to an on-foot escape into a nearby wooded area before he was caught with the help of the Iowa State Patrol. He was reportedly discovered with a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and approximately $3,000 in cash.
Norris also relayed information from ICE indicating that an immigration judge had reportedly issued a final removal order for Roberts back in May 2024. “We had no prior knowledge of this situation, which is deeply concerning. It’s important to clarify that no one here was aware of any citizenship or immigration challenges that Dr. Roberts might have faced,” she clarified.
The district is in the process of cooperating with authorities to assess the situation further. “Dr. Roberts filled out the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted necessary documents,” Norris stated, adding that records show he had asserted his U.S. citizenship during hiring. In 2023, the Iowa Department of Education also granted Roberts a superintendent’s license following thorough criminal background checks.
Having taken on the superintendent role on July 1, 2023, after a comprehensive search involving third-party checks, the district found nothing relevant to Roberts’ citizenship or immigration status.
Norris highlighted that the district supports its interim superintendent, Associate Superintendent Matt Smith, who has stepped in under the district’s succession plan, while also pledging to investigate further.
It’s noteworthy that Roberts has past charges related to weapon possession from February 5, 2020. He entered the USA on a student visa in 1999. Investigations about how he obtained the handgun will be handed over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), as current federal regulations bars those without legal status in the U.S. from having firearms and ammunition.
Reactions
Daniel Chapin from The Uvalde Foundation For Kids told Newsweek: “The community understandably feels confused and frustrated about their superintendent’s recent arrest. Still, we can’t let this incident diminish the seriousness of the situation. We have to hold school leaders accountable for clarity and resolutions.”
This matter doesn’t revolve around race or broader political controversies. At its core, it’s about a leader—a principal one—who must exemplify integrity and commitment to his community, much as countless educators and administrators do daily across Iowa. The focal point has to remain on the breach of trust involved and the essential integrity of those tasked with ensuring the safety and education of our children.
Jackie Norris emphasized during the board meeting: “We all need to bring down the temperature of the discussions. Promoting real dialogue over sensationalism is vital, rather than spreading misinformation that divides us.”
ICE Enforcement and Removal OperationsDirector Sam Olson issued a statement: “This suspect was arrested while in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle associated with the Des Moines Public Schools after eluding federal law enforcement.”
Looking Ahead
Roberts will remain detained by ICE while the removal proceedings are in progress.
Updated on 9/28/25, at 9:29 a.m. ET: This post was revised with remarks from Chapin.
