Des Moines Superintendent Resigns Following ICE Detention

**Des Moines Superintendent Resigns Following ICE Detention** DES MOINES, Iowa — Dr. Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has announced his resignation after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week. His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, confirmed the resignation during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that Roberts made the decision out of concern for the district's 30,000 students. In a letter addressed to the Des Moines School Board, Roberts expressed his desire not to distract educators and staff from their focus on education. The letter was submitted through Parrish, who indicated that it would be sent to the board on Tuesday. Roberts was detained on Friday during a targeted enforcement operation by ICE, which stated that he is in the U.S. illegally from Guyana and lacks work authorization. The agency reported that Roberts was found with a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash at the time of his arrest. On Monday, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked Roberts' administrator license, prompting the Des Moines School Board to place him on unpaid administrative leave. The board had given Roberts' attorney until noon Tuesday to provide proof of his legal work status or face termination. Parrish mentioned that his office filed a motion in immigration court in Omaha to stay the removal order against Roberts. He described the case as complex and urged patience as they navigate the legal process. Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999, and ICE stated that he received a final order of removal from an immigration judge in May 2024. He joined the Des Moines district in July 2023 and has over 20 years of experience in educational leadership across various states. During a school board meeting, board chair Jackie Norris revealed that the board was unaware of Roberts' immigration issues at the time of his hiring. She emphasized that Roberts had provided documentation indicating he was a U.S. citizen, including a driver's license and Social Security card. Norris stated, "At no point was any DMPS employee or board member notified that Dr. Roberts was not eligible to work by a federal agency or Dr. Roberts." The school district's vetting process has come under scrutiny. The firm that conducted the background check for Roberts stated it was not contracted to verify work eligibility. The responsibility for completing employment eligibility verification lies with the employer, according to the firm. Roberts has faced previous weapon possession charges, including a 2020 incident involving a loaded firearm. The Millcreek Township School District, where he served as superintendent before Des Moines, confirmed that he had completed the necessary background checks and eligibility forms. In light of the situation, the Des Moines School Board has scheduled an emergency meeting to address Roberts' employment status. If he fails to provide proof of legal work authorization, the board may proceed with termination. Roberts is currently being held at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, Iowa. Parrish reported that he is in good spirits and remains focused on his students. The situation has drawn attention from state officials, with Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn calling for a state-level investigation into Roberts' hiring. He stated that local leaders owe parents an explanation and emphasized the need for stronger safeguards in hiring practices for public positions.