Des Moines superintendent resigns after ICE arrest
The Des Moines Public Schools board voted 7–0 to accept Superintendent Ian Roberts’ resignation after federal immigration authorities arrested him. ICE says Roberts had a final order of removal and no work authorization; authorities allege he fled from law enforcement, abandoned a car in the woods and was later located by Iowa State Patrol, and a handgun was found in a vehicle used in the incident. The resignation follows state and federal review of his license and status and comes amid a DOJ inquiry into the district’s hiring practices and questions about a third‑party I‑9 process.
Education
Immigration
Legal
🔍 Key Facts
- Board vote: Des Moines school board accepted Ian Roberts' resignation by a 7–0 vote at a Tuesday meeting.
- ICE action: ICE says Roberts had a 'final order of removal' and no work authorization; he was arrested after an alleged flight from law enforcement and a vehicle used to flee was found in the woods.
- Additional details: a handgun was recovered in a vehicle tied to the incident; the district said an I‑9 completed by a third‑party firm failed to reveal the removal order; Roberts was hired in July 2023 to lead the ~30,000‑student district.