ICE detains leader of Iowa’s largest school district, calls him alien
(MENAFN) US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken into custody the head of Iowa’s largest school district, alleging he was in the country illegally, lacked authorization to work, and had a previous weapons conviction.
According to reports, Ian Andre Roberts, described as “a criminal illegal alien from Guyana,” was apprehended during a targeted enforcement operation after allegedly trying to evade federal officers. The Department of Homeland Security indicated that he was subject to a final removal order issued in May 2024.
Roberts, who has served as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) since 2023 with a salary exceeding $300,000 annually, was stopped while driving a district-issued vehicle on Friday. He allegedly fled the scene, abandoned the vehicle near a wooded area, and was later arrested with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol before being booked into Woodbury County Jail.
“This suspect was arrested in possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle provided by Des Moines Public Schools after fleeing federal law enforcement,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations St. Paul Field Office Director Sam Olson. “How this illegal alien was hired without work authorization, a final order of removal, and a prior weapons charge is beyond comprehension and should alarm the parents of that school district.”
At the time of his arrest, Roberts reportedly had a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife. Court records indicate that in January 2022 he pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
The case has raised questions about Roberts’ hiring. One commentator asked how the school board chair could employ “an illegal alien with a fake degree & a criminal record to be the head of the public schools.” Attorney Laura Powell wrote on social media, “Incredible. An illegal alien with a deportation order managed to become the Superintendent of Schools for Des Moines, earning more than $300,000 a year.”
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
