DES MOINES, Iowa (PulseWire News) — The leader of Iowa’s largest school district, Ian Roberts, was placed on administrative leave on Saturday after being arrested by federal immigration agents who accused him of residing in the U.S. illegally. The decision came swiftly from the Des Moines school board during a brief special meeting.
With around 30,000 students under his care, the board stated that Roberts was unavailable for his duties, expressing intent to reassess his status pending the results of ongoing investigations. Board president Jackie Norris described Friday's events as a 'jarring day,' emphasizing the need to understand all aspects of the situation before making further decisions.
Roberts was reportedly stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while driving a vehicle assigned to the school district. After an unsuccessful attempt to flee, he was apprehended with the assistance of Iowa State Patrol officers. According to ICE, Roberts was living and working in the U.S. without authorization and had a final removal order issued in 2024.
Currently held in Woodbury County Jail, Roberts is expected to face serious allegations that the Des Moines school board is treating with utmost seriousness. Norris clarified that until now, no members had knowledge of Roberts facing any immigration issues.
Roberts' legal representation has been arranged with a local Des Moines law firm. Norris reiterated that a thorough background check prior to his hire in 2023 revealed no citizenship or immigration red flags. He had also assured the Iowa Department of Education of his citizenship when applying for the necessary administrative license.
The Iowa Department of Education is now conducting a review of the hiring practices of the Des Moines district to ensure adherence to work authorization protocols. As Roberts's case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, particularly regarding his past as a student athlete and his previous claims of being a U.S. citizen.
With around 30,000 students under his care, the board stated that Roberts was unavailable for his duties, expressing intent to reassess his status pending the results of ongoing investigations. Board president Jackie Norris described Friday's events as a 'jarring day,' emphasizing the need to understand all aspects of the situation before making further decisions.
Roberts was reportedly stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while driving a vehicle assigned to the school district. After an unsuccessful attempt to flee, he was apprehended with the assistance of Iowa State Patrol officers. According to ICE, Roberts was living and working in the U.S. without authorization and had a final removal order issued in 2024.
Currently held in Woodbury County Jail, Roberts is expected to face serious allegations that the Des Moines school board is treating with utmost seriousness. Norris clarified that until now, no members had knowledge of Roberts facing any immigration issues.
Roberts' legal representation has been arranged with a local Des Moines law firm. Norris reiterated that a thorough background check prior to his hire in 2023 revealed no citizenship or immigration red flags. He had also assured the Iowa Department of Education of his citizenship when applying for the necessary administrative license.
The Iowa Department of Education is now conducting a review of the hiring practices of the Des Moines district to ensure adherence to work authorization protocols. As Roberts's case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, particularly regarding his past as a student athlete and his previous claims of being a U.S. citizen.
