For example, on Friday morning ICE agents detained Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. The only difference, this time, was that this action happened as part of a national targeted enforcement operation. State officials have revoked his education license over this serious incident. In the meantime, he’s been placed on administrative leave by the Des Moines school board.
Roberts started as superintendent in July of 2023. He was arrested due to firearm possession charges from February 5, 2020. In the midst of what turned out to be Robert’s illegal arrest, ICE officials later claimed Roberts had a loaded handgun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has opened a criminal investigation into how he obtained the firearm.
DHS’s own records later confirmed that after clearing secondary inspection, Roberts was allowed to enter the United States. They since haven’t disclosed anything detailed about what time he logged that entry. In a communication from Michael Cavin, it was stated that Roberts “received information that you no longer possess legal presence in the United States, therefore you [are] not able to hold a license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.” As a result, Iowa’s state board formally revoked his education license, calling it “invalid.”
In the wake of the arrest, the Des Moines school board held a special meeting and voted to put Roberts on administrative leave on Saturday. In the announcement, the district noted that legally, this action could not be avoided. Specifically, they emphasized their duty to adhere to the law in these circumstances.
Norris, a representative for the district, acknowledged the complexity of the situation: “Two things can be true at the same time – Dr. Roberts was an effective and well-respected leader and there are serious questions related to his citizenship and ability to legally perform his duties as superintendent.” Norris stressed that they’ll always be responsive to new information and newly established facts. These learnings will inform their decisions as they continue to plot a course moving forward.
Roberts most recently was superintendent of the Millcreek Township (Pa.) school district for three years. His lived experience growing up the son of immigrant parents from Guyana, and in his formative years, Brooklyn. The DMPS completed an extensive national background check as part of Roberts’ hiring process. On appeal, the district disclosed that each one of those records showed Roberts asserted he was a U.S. citizen. This meant that he was eligible to work for them.
Due to the revocation of his education license, Roberts must appeal this decision by October 28. This case is about much more than Roberts’ individual situation. It challenges the assumptions of a lack of hiring practices and oversight commonly accepted in educational institutions.