Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Detained by ICE Amid Immigration Violations

Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents under a "targeted enforcement operation". ICE stated Roberts was in the U.S. on an expired student visa with a final order of removal issued in May 2024 and noted he had prior weapons charges from 2020. Roberts was found in possession of a loaded handgun, cash, and a hunting knife and attempted to evade arrest. The school board confirmed his detention but said they have no information on the reasons or next steps, appointing Associate Superintendent Matt Smith as interim superintendent. Roberts, who began his role in 2023, was born to immigrant parents from Guyana and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. ICE records list him as detained in Pottawattamie County jail, though jail officials reported he is not currently held there.