U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district on Friday, September 26, 2025, accused of living and working in the United States illegally under a final removal order.
ICE targeted Ian Roberts, the leader of Des Moines Public Schools, in a traffic stop while he was driving his district-issued vehicle.
Agency officials revealed Roberts fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol.
The Enforcement department stated the now-detainee was an ICE fugitive subject to a final removal order issued in 2024 and had no work authorization.
The arrest sent shockwaves through the community. Phil Roeder, the district's spokesperson, recounted receiving a video call from Roberts shortly after he was supposed to attend a school event, watching as officials detained him.
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School board President Jackie Norris described Roberts as an integral part of our school community and a dynamic leader.
ICE enforcement official Sam Olson called the case beyond comprehension, questioning how Roberts was hired despite the removal order and a prior weapons charge.
The agency said Roberts was in possession of a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.
The incident is the second aggressive ICE action in Iowa in two days, following the detention of a man at an Iowa City grocery store on Thursday, and has sparked protests.
Roberts, 54, is a former Olympic athlete for Guyana who became superintendent in 2023. The district serves over 30,000 students.
