Summary
The Des Moines School Board put Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid leave after immigration agents detained him. Roberts was stopped by ICE and found to have a loaded gun, a hunting knife, and cash. The school district is cooperating with authorities to address concerns about his immigration status.
Key Facts
- The Des Moines School Board placed Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid leave after his detention by ICE.
- Roberts was stopped by immigration agents while driving and subsequently ran into a wooded area before capture.
- He was found by ICE agents with a loaded gun, a knife, and $3,000 in cash.
- An immigration judge issued a final removal order for Roberts in May 2024.
- Roberts had declared himself a U.S. citizen during the hiring process.
- The district did not find any concerns about his immigration status in the prior background checks.
- Matt Smith has been named interim superintendent.
- Roberts is currently held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
