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Iowa Revokes License of Des Moines Superintendent After ICE Detention

State officials cited a lack of legal presence in revoking his ability to serve.

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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)

Overview

  • ICE says Roberts lacked legal status and work authorization and was under a 2024 final removal order when agents detained him Friday.
  • Agents report he fled a stop and abandoned a school vehicle where a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade knife and about $3,000 were recovered; ATF is involved in the firearms review.
  • The Des Moines school board voted 7-0 to place him on paid administrative leave, and associate superintendent Matt Smith is serving as interim leader.
  • The Board of Educational Examiners notified Roberts that his license is invalid due to legal status and outlined his right to appeal by Oct. 28.
  • Roberts is being held in ICE custody at the Woodbury County Jail as Rep. Zach Nunn seeks DHS and ICE records and Iowa leaders review hiring and vetting procedures.