Sun Sep 28 08:20:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Iowa School Superintendent Detained by ICE, Faces Deportation Amidst Community Outcry**
**Des Moines, IA** – Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) and a former Olympian, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, sparking protests and raising questions about his immigration status. Roberts has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation by the school board.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that Roberts, who represented Guyana in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, is in the country illegally and faces weapon possession charges. DHS described him as a “criminal alien” and suggested he was a public safety threat. According to DHS, Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the DMPS community, where Roberts is known for his popularity and commitment to students. Just last May, Roberts made headlines for racing elementary school students in a 100-meter dash, sporting a memorable candy cane striped bow tie and matching Nike Air Force 1 sneakers.
“Yesterday came as a shock to all of us. I want to be clear today: We still do not have all of the facts,” said Board Chair Jackie Norris, adding that the board was unaware of a removal order issued against Roberts in 2024.
Supporters, including teachers and local advocacy groups, rallied outside the federal courthouse in Des Moines, chanting “Education, not deportation / Free Dr. Roberts.” They describe him as an advocate for marginalized students and a vital part of the community.
Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that Roberts is being held at a county jail in Sioux City, Iowa. Parrish declined further comment until he reviews all the documents related to the case.
According to the district’s website, Roberts was born to immigrant parents from Guyana. He has had a long career in education and has worked in various roles in cities such as New York City, Baltimore, and St. Louis.
The DMPS district said Roberts did inform the school board of a firearms offense related to a hunting rifle during his hiring process. Public records show Roberts pleaded guilty to a weapon charge in Pennsylvania in 2022. The district said Roberts “provided sufficient context and explanation of the situation to move forward in the hiring process.”
The case has highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S., with many seeing Roberts’ detention as part of a broader crackdown on immigrants, even those who are pillars of their communities. Some parents miss drop-off in Los Angeles as immigration fears dampen excitement of first day of school.
The Iowa State Education Association and Des Moines Education Association have expressed shock and called Roberts a “tremendous advocate.”
First Piper 