Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has been federally charged following his arrest by immigration authorities.

Roberts was detained last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on allegations of living and working illegally in the United States, according to the Washington Examiner. The former education leader was charged with possessing a firearm while in the country illegally.

Roberts resigned from his superintendent position on Tuesday following the arrest. He is currently attempting to delay his deportation to Guyana.

Arrest Details and Evidence Recovered

Investigators discovered a loaded handgun in Roberts's vehicle and three additional firearms at his Des Moines residence. The weapons found at his home included a handgun, a rifle, and a 20-gauge shotgun.

Roberts attempted to flee from officers in his Jeep before abandoning the vehicle during the pursuit. State patrol officers utilized a canine unit to locate Roberts approximately 200 yards away in nearby brush.

The loaded handgun found in his vehicle was wrapped in a towel and traced back to a 2019 purchase in Arkansas. Investigators believe the weapon was purchased by a woman thought to be Roberts's wife.

ICE Statement and Roberts's Legal Status

ICE officials described Roberts as having multiple items in his possession at the time of arrest beyond the firearm. An ICE spokesperson confirmed Roberts was carrying $3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife when taken into custody.

"ICE Des Moines today arrested Ian Andre Roberts, a criminal illegal alien from Guyana, in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife," the ICE spokesperson stated. The agency emphasized that Roberts was working as superintendent despite his immigration status.

Roberts had been serving in his educational leadership role despite having a final order of removal and lacking work authorization. ICE characterized him as a "criminal illegal alien from Guyana" in their official statement.

School District Leadership Position

Roberts held the position of Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools while allegedly working without proper authorization. His employment in this high-profile educational role occurred despite his documented immigration violations.

The former superintendent's resignation came on Tuesday, following his arrest and the subsequent federal charges. His departure leaves the school district searching for new leadership amid the controversy.

Roberts's case highlights potential gaps in employment verification processes within public school systems. The situation raises questions about background check procedures for senior educational positions.

Why this story matters

This story underscores the importance of due diligence in public employment and the potential consequences of systemic shortcomings. It also raises questions about how schools manage equity programs and how those efforts may come under legal scrutiny. Finally, it reflects how individual misconduct can have far-reaching effects on community trust and institutional integrity.

Moving forward, Des Moines and other school systems may face increased pressure to rethink their vetting procedures, both for employment and program development. This could have lasting impacts on how educators and administrators are held accountable.

Conclusion

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is now facing federal weapons charges after it was revealed he had been living and working in the United States illegally. His attempted escape from police, combined with the firearms recovered from both his car and home, formed the basis of the charge. ICE officials confirmed his immigration status, citing an existing deportation order and lack of work authorization. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has opened a Title VII investigation into the Des Moines school district’s equity and diversity initiatives. Roberts has since resigned and is fighting deportation to Guyana, leaving behind a district—and a community—still searching for answers.