Chicago – September 27, 2025
The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district was arrested by federal immigration agents on Friday, leaving many in the community shocked.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said Ian Roberts, leader of Des Moines Public Schools, was in the United States without legal permission and did not have authorization to work. ICE also said Roberts, who is from Guyana in South America, had a final order of removal issued in 2024.
Agents stopped Roberts in his school-issued vehicle Friday morning. Officials said he ran into nearby woods and left the car behind. He was later found and taken into custody with help from the Iowa State Patrol. Roberts is now being held at Woodbury County Jail in northwest Iowa. It is not clear if he has a lawyer.
School district spokesperson Phil Roeder said staff and the community were caught by surprise. He added that background checks were done and Roberts completed legal work forms. The district said it knew nothing about the 2024 removal order.
