Hundreds of community members gathered at a Des Moines church to support Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal officials stated the arrest was part of a targeted operation, while supporters have described it as a politically motivated action.
Roberts, who has led Iowa's largest school district since July 2023, was taken into custody on a Friday morning. The event has prompted significant outcry from local leaders, parents, and district staff, who have expressed fear and frustration over the superintendent's detention.
Key Takeaways
- DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly being in the country illegally.
- Approximately 500 supporters, including district staff, students, and parents, attended a vigil at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines.
- State and community leaders, including State Rep. Robert Johnson, blamed the political climate for the arrest and called for unity.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that a court had issued a final order for Roberts' removal in May 2024 and alleged he was a public safety threat.
Superintendent Detained by Federal Agents
Dr. Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), was arrested by federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the action as a "targeted enforcement operation."
According to a DHS spokesperson, Roberts, a 54-year-old native of Guyana, had a "final order of removal" issued by a court in May 2024. The agency also alleged that Roberts attempted to flee from law enforcement in his vehicle before his arrest. Officials reported finding a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and a large sum of cash in his possession at the time of his apprehension.
ICE Statement on the Arrest
Sam Olson, ICE ERO St. Paul Field Office Director, questioned Roberts' employment, stating, “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”
Roberts first entered the United States in 1999 on a student visa. He was appointed to lead the Des Moines school district, the largest in Iowa, in July 2023, taking over from his predecessor, Tom Ahart.
Vigil Draws Hundreds of Supporters
In response to the arrest, an estimated 500 people gathered for a vigil at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines. The crowd consisted of DMPS employees, students, parents, and other community members who came to show their support for the superintendent.
The atmosphere was filled with a mix of prayer, frustration, and calls for compassion and justice. Many attendees expressed concern that the arrest was an attack not just on an individual, but on the entire school district and its minority communities. Some participants declined to speak publicly, citing fears of potential retaliation.
Elizabeth Buchmeier, a parent with two children in the district, described the situation as "insane." She suggested the arrest could be politically motivated, linking it to what she perceives as state-level pressure on the district. "The governor has had it out for this district since COVID. Because they don't bend to her will," she said.
Elected Officials and Advocates Condemn Action
Several prominent community figures spoke at the event, framing Roberts' detention within a broader political context. State Rep. Robert Johnson, a Democrat from Des Moines who helped organize the vigil, received a standing ovation for his remarks.
"If you want to point fingers, point fingers at the person in the White House," Johnson told the cheering crowd. "We're not just going to throw Ian Roberts away."
Johnson emphasized that many questions surrounding the arrest remain unanswered but warned of the precedent it could set. "If they can do Ian like this, they can do any of us like this," he stated.
Concerns Over Due Process
Ako Abdul-Samad, a former state legislator, voiced serious concerns about the legal process. He warned the audience that the superintendent might have already been deported, adding, "we have not seen due process in this country for a very long time." He urged the community to unite before another crisis occurs.
NAACP and Immigrant Rights Groups Respond
Betty Andrews, the state director for the NAACP, also addressed the crowd, calling Roberts an "empowering educator who deserved justice." She informed attendees that she had been in communication with the NAACP's national office and immigration attorneys throughout the day to coordinate a response.
Erica Johnson, who leads the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, acknowledged that Roberts' high-profile arrest felt like an escalation. However, she also reminded the audience that the fight for the rights of refugees and immigrants has been ongoing for decades.
Speakers at the vigil urged the community to stay unified, verify information before sharing it, exercise their right to vote, and be knowledgeable about their legal rights.