Hundreds Protest ICE Arrest of DMPS Superintendent

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was detained Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; DHS said a court issued a final order of removal in May 2024 and described the arrest as a “targeted enforcement operation,” alleging he fled, abandoned his car and was found with a loaded handgun, large amounts of cash and a hunting knife. Hundreds of teachers, students, parents and community members gathered in downtown Des Moines and at a packed Corinthian Baptist Church—estimates ranged from more than 200 to roughly 500—to demand Roberts’ release and express outrage. State Rep. Rob Johnson, NAACP leaders including Betty Andrews, and faith and community organizers framed the arrest as part of a broader wave of ICE enforcement, coordinated with national NAACP offices and immigration attorneys, and called for systemic change. Protesters carried signs such as “education not deportation” and “do not mess with DMPS,” and organizers said they will continue to monitor legal developments and press local and federal officials for answers and action.