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2h ago

ICE Detains Des Moines Schools Chief Under Removal Order as District Places Him on Leave

Authorities opened an ATF weapons review, prompting Iowa officials to examine school hiring protocols.

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is sworn-in during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on "Rightsizing Federal Government," on Capitol Hill, on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. The hearing comes as the Trump administration embarks on an aggressive effort to shrink the federal workforce via a variety of ways, including the president's call for mass resignations. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
Photo Courtesy of ICE

Overview

  • ICE says Superintendent Ian Roberts is in custody under a 2024 final removal order and lacked authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Agents report he fled when approached, abandoned a school vehicle, and was apprehended with Iowa State Patrol assistance.
  • ICE says a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and more than $3,000 in cash were found in the vehicle, and the weapons inquiry was referred to the ATF.
  • The school board put Roberts on paid administrative leave and named an interim leader, noting prior background checks and his signed affirmation of U.S. citizenship showed no issues.
  • Iowa’s education department says he claimed U.S. citizenship on his licensure application and is reviewing district verification procedures, while Rep. Zach Nunn requested DHS and ICE records on the case.