Des Moines, IA – In a shocking development, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Ian Andre Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, after discovering he was an illegal immigrant with a standing deportation order.
Roberts, who oversaw Iowa’s largest school district, was taken into custody after a traffic stop earlier this week. According to ICE, Roberts attempted to flee the scene, abandoning his vehicle and running into a wooded area before being captured.
When arrested, Roberts was reportedly carrying a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. ICE confirmed that Roberts had a final order of removal issued in 2024, which made him ineligible to remain in the United States.
This revelation has raised serious questions about how Roberts managed to secure such a powerful role in public education while under an active deportation order. The Des Moines school board claims it was unaware of his immigration status, despite conducting background checks.
The arrest comes as the Trump administration doubles down on its commitment to removing dangerous illegal immigrants from positions of influence. Supporters argue this case proves the necessity of strict enforcement, pointing out that Democrats’ soft approach to border security has allowed individuals like Roberts to rise to positions where they are entrusted with children’s education and safety.
Roberts, originally from Guyana, is now in federal custody and faces imminent deportation. His removal marks another high-profile win for Trump’s immigration agenda and a major embarrassment for officials who allowed him to lead Iowa’s largest school system.
