Overview

• ICE detained Ian Roberts on Sept. 26, saying he is in the U.S. without authorization, lacks work eligibility, and has been under a final removal order since May 2024.
• Agents say he fled a stop and abandoned a district vehicle where they reported finding a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade knife, and roughly $3,000 in cash, with firearm questions referred to the ATF.
• The Des Moines school board placed Roberts on paid administrative leave and named Associate Superintendent Matt Smith as interim superintendent.
• Roberts is being held at the Woodbury County jail in Sioux City, and the licensure revocation notice says he can appeal by Oct. 28.
• District and state officials say hiring and licensure checks showed no issues and that Roberts affirmed work eligibility, prompting reviews of vetting processes as Gov. Kim Reynolds and legislators seek records and oversight.