In a stunning development that has rocked Iowa’s education community, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts announced his immediate resignation on September 30, 2025, following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the previous week. Roberts, a 54-year-old educator from Guyana who entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999, was detained on September 26 after fleeing ICE agents during a traffic stop in Des Moines. Authorities found him in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife, items ICE described as evidence of his status as a “criminal illegal alien” with prior weapons charges dating back to 2020.
Roberts had received a final order of removal from a federal immigration judge in May 2024, yet continued leading Iowa’s largest school district, which serves about 30,000 students. Hired in July 2023 as the district’s first Black superintendent, he advanced racial equity initiatives and was praised for his hands-on approach to education. The school board, shocked by the revelations, placed him on paid administrative leave shortly after the arrest and later revoked his Iowa administrator license, citing his unauthorized status.
In a resignation letter shared by his attorney, Alfredo Parrish, Roberts expressed regret over the distraction to students and staff, emphasizing his commitment to education amid the ongoing immigration fight. His legal team is filing a motion to reopen the immigration case, citing a prior attorney’s assurance that it had been resolved. The arrest sparked protests in Des Moines, with hundreds rallying for his release and questioning the district’s hiring vetting process.
Associate Superintendent Matt Smith continues as interim leader, vowing to maintain focus on student success as the community grapples with the fallout. Republican lawmakers have called for investigations into the hiring, while supporters decry the episode as an overreach in immigration enforcement.
SOURCES:
Weapons charges would hurt Ian Roberts’ ability to fight deportation
Ian Roberts resigns as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, his lawyers say | weareiowa.com
Iowa school superintendent Ian Roberts resigns after federal ICE arrest | Fox News
Ian Roberts, Arrested by ICE, Plans to Resign as Schools Superintendent in Iowa – The New York Times
DMPS superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts detained by ICE
Des Moines superintendent to resign after being detained by ICE, lawyer says – ABC News
Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent detained by ICE
ICE arrests criminal alien serving as Des Moines Public Schools superintendent; prior weapons charges and in possession of loaded handgun at time of arrest | ICE
