Former Des Moines Superintendent Charged Federal Firearms Offense After ICE Arrest

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district in Des Moines, was charged with possessing firearms while residing in the U.S. illegally after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Roberts, a Guyanese citizen, was found with four firearms—one in his vehicle and three at his home—and had a prior weapons charge from 2020. He fled from ICE agents during his arrest but was captured with the assistance of Iowa State Patrol officers. Roberts' immigration status has been contested, with a final removal order issued last year and denied efforts to reopen his case; his work authorization had lapsed since 2020. Roberts resigned shortly after being placed on unpaid leave and having his education license revoked, and his attorney has stated he will plead not guilty to the charges, emphasizing his client's presumption of innocence. The case highlights issues surrounding immigration enforcement and firearm possession by individuals without lawful status in the U.S.