According to Iowa Public Radio, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the south side of Des Moines Friday morning. By late Friday afternoon, he was being held at the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center in Sioux City. This news has come as a significant shock to the residents of Des Moines, as Dr. Roberts was a beloved superintendent.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety reported that Roberts was arrested after fleeing from ICE agents who initiated a traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security stated that he did not have work authorization and had received a final order of removal from an immigration judge in May 2024.
When he was detained, Roberts allegedly had $3,000 in cash, a pocket knife, and a loaded handgun. Although Iowa is an open carry state, his expired visa made him ineligible to carry a firearm legally.
Several residents of Des Moines are protesting his arrest and fully support his release. Jackie Norris, the board president of Des Moines Public Schools, described Dr. Roberts as "an integral part of our school community" who "has shown up in ways big and small" for both students and staff.
Though he spent many years in New York, Dr. Roberts was reportedly born in Guyana. In 2000, he represented his nation in the Olympics.
Photo/Phil Roeder/Des Moines Public Schools
According to his LinkedIn profile, as reported by CNN, Roberts has had an extensive educational career, holding positions in New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Oakland, California, and Erie, Pennsylvania.
Iowa's Governor, Kim Reynolds, called the situation "shocking." She made the following statement about Dr. Robert's arrest: “The arrest on Friday of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was shocking, particularly his attempt to evade authorities, and the loaded gun, knife, and large sum of cash found in his vehicle.
The investigation is still underway, so I won’t comment on details of the case at this time. But I want to be clear: we are a nation of laws that must be enforced. Those who believe immigration laws are optional are dangerously wrong. When laws are ignored, or when people are led to believe there will be no consequences, our communities are at risk. Iowans won’t stand for that. We must enforce the law, every time, to protect our families and our future.”
Senator Molly Donahue made the following statement about Dr. Robert's situation: "I am deeply concerned and disappointed by the detainment of Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, by ICE.
At this time, there are no substantiated claims or verified reasons for this action. I urge our community not to engage in rumors or speculation. We must remain focused on facts, transparency, and accountability.
We will work to get to the bottom of this situation, and I will not simply accept ICE’s explanations at face value.
Dr. Roberts is a respected leader in our schools and our community. Our students, families, and educators deserve clarity and truth, not confusion and fear.
In the meantime, you are welcome to peacefully protest his detainment and to make calls to Zack Nunn‘s office and to Governor Reynold’s office to demand his release.
Please keep Dr. Ian Roberts in your thoughts and we hope for a speedy return home."
This story will be updated.
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