DHS Releases Ian Roberts' Immigration and Criminal History Following Arrest

Ian Roberts, former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has a detailed criminal and immigration history disclosed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roberts first entered the U.S. in 1994 on a B-2 visa and subsequently obtained student visas but was denied four green card applications, maintaining work authorization until 2024. His criminal record spans decades and multiple states, including charges for narcotics possession, unauthorized use of a vehicle, reckless driving, and unlawful possession of firearms. Roberts was arrested in September 2025 after fleeing ICE officers and was found with a loaded gun, hunting knife, and cash; he was federally charged with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms. Authorities emphasized that Roberts, with his extensive criminal background and illegal immigration status, should never have been allowed to work around children or hold a superintendent position. He resigned following his arrest and is currently in U.S. Marshals custody awaiting prosecution and potential deportation.