On September 28th, the Iowa Department of Education has revoked the license of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ian Roberts, after his detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, September 26, 2025. Roberts, a native of Guyana and former Olympic athlete, was arrested in a targeted Department of Homeland Security enforcement operation.
Federal officials cited multiple factors in the case, including his lack of work authorization, a firearm possession charge from February 5, 2020, and a final removal order issued by an immigration judge in May 2024 after entering the country on a student visa in 1999, according to ICE.
ICE reported in a statement to finding a handgun in his possession, a hunting knife and $3,000 in cash on the day he was detain. The statement also states that he allegedly attempted to evade arrest, locating Roberts after his vehicle was found abandoned.
Following his arrest, the Des Moines school board placed Roberts on administrative leave. He is currently being held at the Woodbury County Jail.
Roberts assumed the leadership role of Des Moines Public Schools superintendent in 2023, according to KCCI News. Before that, he served as superintendent of schools in Erie, Pennsylvania. KCCI News in Des Moines reported that they had reached out to Millcreek Township school district in Erie, and officials verifiy that the required clearances, consisting of FBI background check and an I-9 form, were completed during his hiring process.
Roberts, whose a graduated of Coppin State University, also worked for school districts in Baltimore, DC, St. Louis, the Bronx, and in Oakland, California. He also advanced his education at St. John University and Trident University.
