In brief
Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, sparking concern within the community. The school board has not been provided with details regarding the reasons for his detention or the next steps. Roberts, who has a background as the son of immigrants, has served as superintendent since July 2023.
DES MOINES, Iowa — In a surprising turn of events, federal immigration agents have detained the head administrator of Iowa’s capital city public schools, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts. The school board confirmed the news on Friday, with President Jackie Norris stating that Roberts was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents earlier today.
As of now, the district has not been able to confirm the reasons behind Dr. Roberts’ detention or what the next steps may be. A spokesperson for the district mentioned that they do not have further information to share at this time, leaving many unanswered questions.
Current records indicate that Roberts is in the custody of ICE at a county jail in western Iowa. However, an employee at the Pottawattamie County jail reported that he is not presently at their facility, which is located approximately 130 miles from Des Moines. Attempts to obtain information from the ICE office overseeing operations in Iowa were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and an email inquiry received no immediate responses.
Dr. Ian Roberts, 52, has been the superintendent since July 2023, overseeing an educational jurisdiction that serves around 30,000 students. Roberts has personal ties to immigration, being the son of parents who immigrated from Guyana. His background was highlighted in a biography published on the district’s website, detailing his journey from Brooklyn, New York, to his current leadership position.
He holds a degree from Coppin State University, graduating in 1998, where he discussed his father's journey to the United States in the 1980s and his mother's immigration in the early 2000s. His story resonates with many in the community, raising further concerns regarding the implications of his detention.
