Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, 54, was arrested by ICE agents on September 26, 2025, and charged with being an “illegal alien in possession of firearms.” The arrest followed a targeted enforcement operation, where authorities found a loaded handgun and three more firearms in his district-issued vehicle and home. This is not the first time Roberts has faced immigration issues, as he had previously filed for green card applications that were denied in 2018. He also faced deportation proceedings in 2024, but failed to attend the hearing. Roberts was superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools from August 2023 until his resignation on September 30, 2025. His arrest and subsequent charges have raised questions about the school district’s hiring process and whether Roberts had properly vetted as a candidate for the position.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/des-moines-school-superintendent-ian-roberts-timeline/story?id=126190400