The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Dr. Ian Roberts, was taken into custody on Friday, September 26, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal officials allege that Roberts is a citizen of Guyana residing in the United States without legal authorization and was in possession of a weapon at the time of his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was detained by ICE on September 26.
- ICE alleges Roberts is in the U.S. unlawfully and has a final order of removal issued in May 2024.
- Authorities report finding a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a knife during the arrest.
- The school district has appointed Associate Superintendent Matt Smith as the interim leader.
Details of the Federal Operation
According to a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the arrest occurred during a planned operation in Des Moines. Officers identified themselves and approached Dr. Roberts while he was in his vehicle. The agency reported that Roberts then drove away from the scene at a high speed.
Law enforcement officials later located the vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. With assistance from the Iowa State Patrol, officers found Roberts and took him into federal custody. The vehicle Roberts was using was reportedly provided by the Des Moines Public Schools district.
Items Seized by Authorities
ICE reported that at the time of the arrest, Roberts was in possession of several items, including a loaded handgun, approximately $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife.
Allegations from Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICE has publicly described Dr. Roberts as a "criminal illegal alien from Guyana." The agency stated that Roberts does not have legal authorization to work in the United States and was subject to a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in May 2024. His initial entry into the country was in 1999 on a student visa.
The agency also referenced a prior criminal history, stating that Roberts has existing weapon possession charges dating back to February 5, 2020. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is now investigating how Roberts acquired the handgun, as federal law prohibits individuals without legal status from possessing firearms or ammunition.
"This suspect was arrested in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools after fleeing federal law enforcement," said Sam Olson, ICE ERO St. Paul Field Office Director. "This should be a wake-up call for our communities to the great work that our officers are doing every day to remove public safety threats."
Olson also questioned the district's hiring process. "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," he added.
Federal Law on Firearm Possession
Under U.S. federal law, it is illegal for any person who is unlawfully in the United States to possess a firearm or ammunition. This regulation is a key component of federal firearms statutes and is enforced by agencies such as the ATF.
School District and State Government Response
In response to the superintendent's detention, Des Moines Public Schools activated its leadership succession plan. The district announced that Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as Interim Superintendent to ensure continuity of operations.
In a formal statement, the school district emphasized its commitment to its students and staff. "Our priority is to provide a safe, secure and outstanding education for all students and to support our students, families, and employees," the district stated. "The appointment of Mr. Smith as Interim Superintendent ensures that our District continues to operate at the highest level."
The office of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has also acknowledged the situation, confirming that the governor is aware of Dr. Roberts' detainment. No further details were provided by the governor's office at this time. This is an ongoing story, and more information is expected as federal and local investigations proceed.