News Summary
Dr. Ian Andre Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested for immigration violations and firearm possession. His arrest has stunned the community as Roberts, a former Olympic athlete and educational leader, had served in his role for two years. ICE agents reported he was in the country illegally and found a loaded firearm in his abandoned vehicle. Advocacy groups and community members are rallying in support of Roberts, raising concerns about the impact of such enforcement actions on immigrant families.
Des Moines – Dr. Ian Andre Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested on September 26, 2025, by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration violations and possession of a firearm. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, as Roberts has been a prominent figure in the school district for the past two years and previously served as a principal in Baltimore City Schools.
Roberts, a native of Guyana, gained recognition not only for his educational leadership but also as an Olympic athlete. He competed as a mid-distance runner in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and graduated from Coppin State University in 1998, where he became the first Olympic athlete from the institution. He holds a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Trident University and multiple master’s degrees from St. John’s University and Georgetown University, showcasing his extensive educational background.
The circumstances surrounding his arrest began when ICE agents attempted to approach Roberts. He fled the scene in his vehicle, which was later discovered abandoned in a wooded area. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock 19 handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife. According to federal officials, Roberts was in the United States illegally, as his employment eligibility had expired in 2020 and he had a prior weapons charge from February 2020. Additionally, an immigration judge issued a final order of removal against him in May 2024.
Initial reports indicated that Roberts had entered the U.S. on a student visa in August 1999 to pursue his education at St. John’s University. By the time of his arrest, he was not legally authorized to work. ICE characterized his detainment as part of a “targeted enforcement operation” aimed at illegal immigration, emphasizing Roberts’ status as a “criminal illegal alien.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has since been notified for further investigation into the firearm found in his vehicle.
The Des Moines school community has reacted strongly to Roberts’ arrest, with many expressing their surprise and dismay. School Board Chair Jackie Norris acknowledged his critical role within the district, highlighting that the school district had not been formally notified by ICE about his detainment. In light of the situation, Matt Smith has been appointed as interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is determined.
Roberts’ arrest sparked protests in Des Moines, with community members rallying to express support for him and their concerns about the implications for immigrant families in the area. Community advocates noted that the arrest of leaders like Roberts reflects broader concerns about safety and immigration enforcement policies, particularly during the Trump administration. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners had issued Roberts a valid license to serve as superintendent in 2023, and the district claimed it was unaware of the order of removal at the time of his hiring, despite Roberts disclosing a previous firearm offense concerning a hunting rifle.
Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen also remarked that city officials were not informed in advance about Roberts’ detainment. As the situation unfolds, community members remain engaged in discussions about the impacts of such immigration enforcement actions on their neighborhoods and the individuals they admire and respect.
Dr. Ian Andre Roberts has played an influential role in supporting various nonprofit organizations in Des Moines, particularly those aimed at serving the Black community, making his arrest not only a matter of personal significance but also one that resonates deeply within his community.
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Additional Resources
- Des Moines Register
- We Are Iowa
- CNN
- NBC News
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Des Moines
- Google Search: Ian Roberts Des Moines Superintendent
- Google Scholar: Ian Roberts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Des Moines Public Schools
- Google News: Ian Roberts arrest
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