IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa’s largest school district on Monday, days after federal agents arrested him on accusations that he was living and working in the country illegally. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners notified Des Moines public schools Superintendent Ian Roberts that he was ineligible to hold a license as he no longer possesses legal presence in the United States.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts, 54, asserting he was subject to a final removal order from May 2024. Originally from Guyana, Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was apprehended after fleeing a traffic stop, found with a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 cash.
Des Moines school officials stated they were unaware of Roberts' illegal status, as he had verified citizenship when hired in 2023. In a vote late Monday, the school board placed Roberts on unpaid leave, contingent on the outcome of evaluations regarding his eligibility.
Board chair Jackie Norris stated they received correspondence from the Department of Homeland Security indicating Roberts’ unauthorized work status. The board has allowed his attorney until Tuesday to contest these findings. Norris emphasized the need for clear understanding regarding the incident, expressing concerns for community unrest following Roberts' arrest.
With over 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, the district is in turmoil as they address this significant leadership issue. The board has appointed an interim superintendent as they navigate this situation, and Roberts' arrest was shocking to many in the school community where he was a prominent figure amid educational and community events. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has requested documentation from ICE regarding Roberts' case, seeking transparency and validation of ICE's actions against a significant public official.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts, 54, asserting he was subject to a final removal order from May 2024. Originally from Guyana, Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was apprehended after fleeing a traffic stop, found with a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 cash.
Des Moines school officials stated they were unaware of Roberts' illegal status, as he had verified citizenship when hired in 2023. In a vote late Monday, the school board placed Roberts on unpaid leave, contingent on the outcome of evaluations regarding his eligibility.
Board chair Jackie Norris stated they received correspondence from the Department of Homeland Security indicating Roberts’ unauthorized work status. The board has allowed his attorney until Tuesday to contest these findings. Norris emphasized the need for clear understanding regarding the incident, expressing concerns for community unrest following Roberts' arrest.
With over 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 employees, the district is in turmoil as they address this significant leadership issue. The board has appointed an interim superintendent as they navigate this situation, and Roberts' arrest was shocking to many in the school community where he was a prominent figure amid educational and community events. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has requested documentation from ICE regarding Roberts' case, seeking transparency and validation of ICE's actions against a significant public official.
