Iowa school superintendent arrested by ICE, facing prior weapons charges, allegedly found with loaded handgun

An Iowa school district superintendent living in the United States illegally who also faces weapons charges was arrested Friday, authorities said.

Ian Andre Roberts, who heads the Des Moines Public Schools—the largest school district in the state—was taken into custody on a fugitive warrant. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents pursued Roberts after he sped away, authorities said.

They later found his vehicle abandoned, and an Iowa State Patrol K-9 was called in to help search for him.

“This action follows Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this morning. We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps,” the Friday message stated.

Before a career in education, Roberts competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in track and field for Guyana as a middle-distance runner, the Des Moines Register reported.

Roberts also served on the board of the Directors Council, a local group comprised of several nonprofits focused on Des Moines’ Black community.

“Dr. Roberts has been a trusted partner, a dedicated advocate for equity, and an unwavering supporter of families and youth in Polk County,” the group said in a statement. “His contributions to both The Directors Council and the wider community are immeasurable, and we stand with him during this uncertain moment.”

“We know this news raises many questions and concerns. As an organization, our priority is to continue advancing our mission with stability and integrity while also offering our full support to Dr. Roberts and his family,” the statement continued. “We are committed to sharing updates with you as we receive confirmed information.”