DES MOINES, Iowa -- It has been two days since Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was arrested by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

DMPS School Board President Jackie Norris outlined on Today in Iowa Sunday the district's background check process and next steps for the district. The board appointed Matt Smith to serve as interim superintendent; and on Saturday the board moved to place Roberts on administrative leave.

Roberts is being held at the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center, where he faces immigration and weapons charges. ICE officials said on Friday that in May of 2024 there was a final order of removal ordered by an immigration judge for Roberts. He came to the United States off a student visa in 1999 according to ICE.

Roberts was hire

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