Former Des Moines Superintendent Charged with Illegal Immigration and Firearm Possession

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for living and working illegally in the U.S. despite a final order of removal since May 2024. He was found in possession of multiple firearms, including a loaded handgun, and is federally charged with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms. Roberts attempted to evade arrest by fleeing but was ultimately taken into federal custody and has made his first court appearance. Investigations revealed that Roberts also falsified his resume by claiming to have a doctoral degree he never earned, a fact the school board was aware of but still hired him. Following his arrest, the Department of Justice initiated a Title VII investigation into Des Moines Public Schools' diversity and inclusion programs due to concerns raised by his case. Roberts resigned from his position amid the scandal and is currently detained pending further legal proceedings.