Ian Roberts entered US illegally? ICE reveals reason for Des Moines superintendent's shocking arrest

On Friday, Ian Andre Roberts, the superintendent of the largest public school district in Iowa, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ICE alleged he was in the United States illegally and without a work authorization. A Guyana national and superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Ian Roberts was arrested in an operation, ICE announced in a news release. He was arrested as part of a “targeted enforcement operation” and fled after US ICE officers approached him, according to statements from DHS and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Ian Roberts is an educator with decades of experience who previously competed as an Olympic athlete for Guyana.

ALSO READ: Ian Roberts, Iowa's largest school district superintendent, arrested by ICE: Why his detention has shocked local community

Why was Ian Roberts arrested?

The ICE in the news release said Ian Roberts worked as superintendent in Iowa despite not having legal status and despite having a “final order of removal and no work authorization". He had entered the US in 1999 on a student visa, and was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024, ICE said.


Roberts had existing weapon possession charges from Feb. 5, 2020, according to the release. Agents approached Roberts on Friday in his vehicle after he identified himself, but he drove off, ICE said. The vehicle was later found near a wooded area, and Iowa State Patrol then assisted in the search for him Friday morning, and he was ultimately taken into custody, the release said.

"ICE Des Moines arrested Ian Andre Roberts, a criminal illegal alien from Guyana in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife. At the time of his arrest, Roberts was working as the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools despite being an illegal alien with a final order of removal and no work authorization," the agency said in its news release.

ALSO READ: Makena White revealed about health struggles before her death at 28? Jake Knapp girlfriend's posts resurface

"During a targeted enforcement operation on Sept. 26, 2025, officers approached Roberts in his vehicle after identifying himself, but he sped away. Officers later discovered his vehicle abandoned near a wooded area. State Patrol assisted in locating the subject and he was taken into ICE custody," the ICE said.

"The investigation into how Roberts acquired the handgun is being turned over to the ATF. It is a violation of federal law for those in the U.S. without legal status to possess a firearm and ammunition," the statement added.

Ian Roberts previously worked as principal

Ian Roberts previously worked as a principal in D.C. Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools, as per NBC Washington report. Roberts worked as principal of Anacostia High School from 2010 to 2014, News4 learned. DCPS confirmed he is a former employee but did not provide further statement.

ALSO READ: D4vd Tesla scandal gets mysterious: Celeste Rivas linked to fake IDs and underage parties? New revelations emerge

“The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners issued Dr. Roberts a license to serve as superintendent in the state of Iowa in July 2023,” Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris said. “There is new information that has been made public that we did not know, and we have not been able to verify as to whether that information is accurate.”

The Des Moines School Board said he held educational leadership positions in districts across the U.S. for 20 years. “We stand firm with our community, many of whom are feeling sad, outraged and helpless,” interim Superintendent Matt Smith said. “We understand, as we, too, are devastated by the news of his detainment. “However, this does not stop our important work, and we will continue to provide outstanding education to the students in our community."