Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines, who was detained by ICE, has resigned from his position

Dr. Ian Roberts

Dr. Ian Roberts, the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, resigned from his position after being detained by ICE in late September.

Ian began his tenure with the Des Moines Public Schools in 2023 and was well received by the community. His detainment by ICE came as a great shock to many residents. In response, several community members initially protested his detainment.

Ian is originally from Guyana and markets himself as having a strong background in education. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously served as a superintendent in Erie, Pennsylvania, before assuming his current role in Des Moines. His profile states that he earned multiple degrees from prestigious institutions in the United States, including Georgetown, Harvard, and MIT, among others. However, MIT reportedly informed TDR that they have no record of Roberts attending the school.

According to The Des Moines Register, Roberts reportedly received a notice to appear before an immigration judge, failed to do so, and was ultimately ordered deported in absentia in May 2024. In April 2025, an immigration judge denied Roberts' request to reopen his case.

The Des Moines school district plans to file a lawsuit against the search firm that recommended him to the district. Jackie Norris, chair of the school board, said, "Ian Roberts should have never been presented as a finalist." Norris continued, "If we knew what we knew now, he would have never been hired.”

Due to the current scandal, it has come to light that Roberts has a history of legal issues. In 1996, the former superintendent was reportedly charged with possession of narcotics in New York. Following that incident, he was also charged with unsafe operation of a vehicle and speeding in Maryland. In Pennsylvania, he faced legal trouble related to a firearm, which was reportedly connected to hunting. Upon his arrest in Iowa, he was found in possession of a handgun and a hunting knife—items for which he will reportedly face charges, as he was not a legal immigrant at the time of his detainment, and therefore unable to legally carry a firearm.

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Part of Roberts' legacy has been confirmed as true. He entered the United States through New York in the 1990s. Over the years, the 54-year-old received work and school authorizations to remain in the country. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University in 1998. Additionally, he competed in the 2000 Olympics in track and field for Guyana. In the same year, Roberts also earned a Master's degree from St. John's University.

His attorneys, including lead attorney Alfredo Parrish, held a town hall meeting in Des Moines to provide updates on the situation. Parrish stated that while the legal team is doing everything possible to assist Roberts during this time, he cannot confirm whether or when Roberts will be deported.

This story will be updated.

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