Iowa School District Superintendent Placed on Leave Following ICE Arrest

Sat Oct 11 2025 03:39:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, faces serious immigration allegations after being arrested by ICE agents for unauthorized presence in the country, prompting his suspension and further investigation.

Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was placed on paid administrative leave after being arrested by ICE for being in the U.S. illegally. The district's board expressed its intention to reassess Roberts' situation as more information emerges, while emphasizing that they were unaware of any immigration issues during his hiring process. Roberts has retained legal counsel amid the developing situation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The leader of Iowa’s largest school district was placed on administrative leave on Saturday, just a day after federal immigration agents arrested him for being in the country illegally.

The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to suspend Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid leave during a brief special meeting. Officials stated that Roberts was unavailable to fulfill his duties for the district, which has about 30,000 students, and noted that they would reassess his status after obtaining further information.

Board president Jackie Norris expressed that the news of Roberts’ arrest was startling and clarified that the board had not yet received all relevant facts regarding the situation.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Roberts was detained while driving a school-issued vehicle for lacking authorization to remain in the United States and for having a final removal order issued in 2024. Reports indicate that ICE agents apprehended him after he fled into a wooded area following the stop.

Roberts was subsequently held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, located roughly 150 miles from Des Moines.

Norris stated, “I want to be clear, no one here was aware of any citizenship or immigration issues that Dr. Roberts may have been facing. The accusations made by ICE are very serious, and we are taking them very seriously.”

Roberts has retained a local law firm to represent him regarding the allegations. Norris mentioned that a background check during the hiring process did not reveal any issues, and the district has been proactive in verifying the credentials of employees.

Additionally, the Iowa Department of Education confirmed that Roberts had claimed U.S. citizenship when applying for his administrative license. They are now reviewing the hiring procedures of the Des Moines district to ensure compliance with work authorization laws.

Originally from Guyana, Roberts relocated to the U.S. years ago on a student visa and is known for his athletic background, having competed in the 2000 Olympics in track and field. A former official of the Guyana police noted his commendable service and character during his time in the police force.

The implications of Roberts’ situation are far-reaching, and as it continues to unfold, the school district remains vigilant in addressing any potential ramifications for their community.