On Friday, ICE arrested Ian Roberts, the superintendent for Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), on allegations of illegal presence in the United States. The arrest has sparked a political divide, with Iowa Democrats, led by school board chair Jackie Norris—formerly the White House chief of staff for Michelle Obama—rallying behind Roberts. Norris called for “radical empathy” as the case progresses, stating that officials “do not have all the facts.” She defended Roberts’ contributions to the district, emphasizing his role in advocating for students and staff over the past two years.
Meanwhile, Republicans in the Iowa legislature are launching an investigation into the hiring practices of DMPS, questioning how Roberts was employed without proper legal status. State Rep. Austin Harris, a Republican, expressed concerns about the district’s hiring procedures and pledged to introduce legislation to mandate enhanced hiring protocols and increase transparency in school operations. “Iowa’s families deserve nothing less than a safe, lawful, and effective education system for their children,” Harris stated.
ICE alleges that Roberts, a national of Guyana, is in the U.S. illegally due to a final order of removal issued by a U.S. judge in May 2024. According to ICE, Roberts was arrested after allegedly fleeing law enforcement with a loaded weapon. The agency’s statement emphasized the importance of public safety, noting that “how this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension.” This has raised concerns among parents and community members, who are now questioning the oversight within the school district.
The district has responded that Roberts had previously completed an I-9 form to prove legal status, which was conducted by a third-party group. However, the district claims it was unaware of the order of removal. This has led to further scrutiny over the hiring process and the accountability of the board in ensuring compliance with immigration laws. As the case continues to unfold, tensions between the political parties and the community are likely to intensify, with calls for both accountability and support for those affected.