In brief
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has revoked the license of Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines public schools, following his arrest by ICE for living in the U.S. illegally. Roberts entered the country on a student visa in 1999 and reportedly possessed a loaded handgun and cash at the time of his arrest. The Des Moines school board has put him on unpaid leave as it investigates the matter. School officials stated they were not aware of his immigration status, raising concerns over hiring practices amidst a backdrop of community anxiety and responses from local lawmakers.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A state agency revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa’s largest school district on Monday, days after federal agents arrested him on accusations that he was living and working in the country illegally.The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners said in a letter to Des Moines public schools Superintendent Ian Roberts that he was ineligible to hold a license because “you no longer possess legal presence in the United States.”U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts on Friday, saying he was subject to a final removal order that a judge issued in May 2024. Roberts, a native of Guyana, entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999, according to ICE, and is being held at an Iowa jail.ICE reported that Roberts fled after a traffic stop in Des Moines, and was apprehended with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol. At the time of his arrest, Roberts had a loaded handgun in his district-issued vehicle, along with a hunting knife and $3,000 cash.Des Moines school officials indicated they were unaware of Roberts' illegal immigration status, noting he had submitted documents verifying his citizenship upon hiring in 2023. His contract, recently extended through June 2028, mandates that he maintains state certification as superintendent.In response to the arrest, the school board voted unanimously to place Roberts on unpaid leave, with board chair Jackie Norris stating they received notice from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Roberts' unauthorized status. She emphasized the need for clarity, allowing Roberts' attorney to challenge the decision before proceeding further.Roberts, known for his engagement with the community and students during his two-year tenure, had previously served as a superintendent in Pennsylvania. The incident has prompted investigations into the school district's hiring practices, as the Iowa Department of Education stated it is the district's duty to verify employee eligibility.The response from the community has been one of shock and concern for students who identified with Roberts, while there has been an appeal for understanding and a rejection of hateful rhetoric directed at the district in the wake of this scandal. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has called for transparency regarding Roberts' arrest, underscoring the importance of a verifiable timeline and documentation in such cases.
