DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds and other Iowa politicians have released statements following the detainment of Des Moines superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts by ICE agents on Friday.
The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Dr. Ian Roberts, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday. Homeland Security says Dr. Roberts has overstayed a students visa and received a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May of 2024. Shortly after this, DMPS held a press conference detailing their actions up to this point and enacting an interim superintendent. View a complete breakdown of details at Des Moines Public Schools superintendent in ICE custody.
On Saturday, DMPS voted to place Dr. Roberts on paid administrative leave. In the latest development, Governor Reynolds and other Iowa leaders have commented on the situation.
Governor Reynolds released a statement Saturday afternoon saying,
“The arrest on Friday of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was shocking, particularly his attempt to evade authorities, and the loaded gun, knife, and large sum of cash found in his vehicle. The investigation is still underway, so I won’t comment on details of the case at this time. But I want to be clear: we are a nation of laws that must be enforced. Those who believe immigration laws are optional are dangerously wrong. When laws are ignored, or when people are led to believe there will be no consequences, our communities are at risk. Iowans won’t stand for that. We must enforce the law, every time, to protect our families and our future.”
On Friday, Rep. Randy Feenstra posted on X saying,
“Thank you to ICE for detaining the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools — an illegal immigrant with a criminal record who was caught with a loaded gun and $3,000 in cash. He has had a deportation order since May of 2024! He should never be near children.”
Rep. Ashley Hinson posted on X Friday afternoon saying,
God Bless our ICE Agents! Thank you for keeping us — and our kids — safe.
Rep. Zach Nunn also posted on X Friday following the announcement stating,
“I stand with our law enforcement officers who uphold public safety. Unfortunate situations like today underscore exactly why we must fix our broken immigration system. An individual with a prior weapons charge and an active deportation order should never have been placed in this position of public trust. Since 2023, my office has opened more than 800 cases to help Iowans navigate immigration issues—and we’ll continue doing that work. In Congress, I’ll continue working with the administration on border and national security while expanding legal pathways to work and residency.”
Other statements have been shared including this statement from the Iowa Department of Education,
The Iowa Department of Education is dedicated to supporting safe and healthy learning environments, and understands the need for transparent licensure information while following disclosure and investigation procedures.
Dr. Roberts stated that he was a U.S. citizen on the application for Administrator licensure under penalty of perjury. Per their standard process, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners also conducted criminal history record checks with the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to issuing the license. No deviations from the established licensure process were identified. It is the employer’s responsibility to affirm a person’s I-9 employment eligibility verification, and the Department is reviewing the district’s hiring procedures for verifying individuals are legally authorized to work in the United States.
The rule of law is essential, and all educators and staff must follow the law to preserve public trust. The Iowa Department of Education is committed to upholding rigorous licensure standards and supporting local educators and families in advancing student learning.
This is a developing story. Check back to www.WHO13.com for more details as they become available.
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