ICE Detains Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent

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DES MOINES, Iowa — The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Dr. Ian Roberts, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to Des Moines School Board President Jackie Norris.

Norris said Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will immediately step into the role of Interim Superintendent.

“Our priority is to provide a safe, secure and outstanding education for all students and to support our students, families, and employees. The appointment of Mr. Smith as Interim Superintendent ensures that our District continues to operate at the highest level,” said Norris, in a statement released first to staff of the district and then shared to the media.

Norris said the district does not have any information on why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next steps.

Online ICE records list Roberts as being held in the Pottawattamie County Jail. The staff at the jail told WHO 13’s Justin Surrency, “We have never had anybody by that name and don’t have anyone by that name.”

WHO 13 has reached out to ICE and multiple other law enforcement agencies about whether this incident is linked to a federal law enforcement presence at Ewing Chase Mobile Home Park Friday morning.

We have received no response.

Dr. Ian Roberts’ background

Dr. Roberts became the 14th leader of Des Moines Public Schools in May of 2023. Roberts was the superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania for three years and before that, he worked in St. Louis, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York City.

Roberts received his undergraduate degree at Coppin State and his Ed.D. and master’s degree at St. John’s University.

He was born in Guyana and competed for that nation in the 2000 Olympic games, running the 800 meters.

This is a developing story. Check back to www.WHO13.com for more details as they become available.