Superintendent of Des Moines Public Faculties detained by ICE

On Friday, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Faculties, Dr. Ian Roberts, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brokers, based on the district.

In keeping with ICE, Roberts was within the nation illegally from Guyana and was working as a superintendent regardless of having “a ultimate order of removing and no work authorization.”As well as, when officers carried out a “focused enforcement operation” and tried to method Roberts in his automobile on Friday, the superintendent sped away, and the officers later discovered his automobile deserted. Roberts was taken into custody, in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade looking knife, and $3,000 in money, ICE stated.

Dr. Roberts, 54, has been the superintendent of Des Moines Public Faculties since July 2023, after spending 20 years in public schooling, most lately as a superintendent in Pennsylvania.

A message from Des Moines Faculty Board Chair Jackie Norris, posted on Friday, Sept. 26, acknowledged that Affiliate Superintendent Matt Smith will function interim superintendent till additional discover. DMPS officers had been unaware of the explanation for Roberts’ detention.

“This motion follows Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) brokers this morning. We now have no confirmed info as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the following potential steps,” the discharge learn.

Roberts got here to the U.S. on a scholar visa in 1999, and a decide issued a “ultimate order of removing” in Might 2024, based on ICE’s assertion. Roberts has been charged with weapon possession since February 2020, the company stated.

Des Moines Faculty Board Chair Jackie Norris didn’t underscore the contribution of Roberts to the district.

“There’s a lot we have no idea,” Norris stated in a press convention on the district. “Nonetheless, what we do know is that Dr. Roberts has been an integral a part of our college group since he joined over two years in the past. Throughout his time with our district, he has proven up in methods huge and small, and has advocated for college students and workers and begun introducing ideas that may assist us reimagine schooling for future generations of Des Moines college students.”