Des Moines schools superintendent detained by ICE
DES MOINES, Iowa (FOX 9) - Des Moines Public Schools superintendent has been detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Iowa school leader detained by ICE
Local perspective:
Des Moines Public Schools posted a statement from Jackie Norris, Des Moines Public Schools Board president, on social media Friday announcing Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was detained by ICE on Friday morning.
"We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps," the statement says.
ICE's website shows Roberts is in ICE custody at the Pottawattamie County Jail.
Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as the interim superintendent "until further notice," the district says.
The statement continues, saying the district's priority is to provide "a safe, secure and outstanding education for all students and to support our students, families and employees. The appointment of Mr. Smith as interim superintendent ensures that our district continues to operate at the highest level."
The backstory:
The Iowa Department of Public Safety on Friday afternoon released additional details about a "mutual aid request" it received at 8:45 a.m. to assist ICE in locating a man who they say fled from a traffic stop ICE initiated.
Iowa State Troopers say they assisted in finding the person, who they identified as Roberts.
According to ICE, Roberts was in the country illegally from Guyana, and had a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife in his possession at the time of his arrest.
ICE says that after Roberts fled from the traffic stop, he abandoned his car and was later taken into custody.
Roberts has existing weapon possession charges from February 2020, ICE said. He came to the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa, and was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024.
According to ICE, Roberts was superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools despite being in the country illegally with a final order of removal and no work authorization.
ICE says it's against federal law for someone illegally in the country to possess a firearm and ammunition.
Who is Dr. Ian Roberts?
Dig deeper:
Roberts has been the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools since July 2023, previously serving as the interim superintendent during the 2022-23 school year, according to the Des Moines Register.
Des Moines Public Schools said in a press conference that they did not know about the information ICE shared about Roberts, and they working on verifying if it is accurate.
Roberts competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in track and field for Guyana, the newspaper notes.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Why Travelers Are Abandoning Airbnb: The Great Vacation Debate
Sick of hidden cleaning fees and mandatory chore lists, millions of frustrated vacationers are officially ditching short-term rentals and heading back to the hassle-free comfort of traditional hotels. We bring together panelists to face off over this massive shift and reveal which choice actually gives you the most bang for your buck.
These Kids Are Changing the World: Meet the Founders of the Hope Through Music Foundation
Cousins Abigail John and Ray Singh may be young, but they are already making a massive impact by founding the Hope Through Music Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit bringing the healing power of the performing arts to hospitals, nursing homes, and orphanages. The inspiring young founders sit down with us to share their incredible mission and how they are empowering other kids to use their natural talents to change lives.
At least 6 Houston-area collectibles stores burglarized in two weeks
A string of break-ins at collectibles stores across the Houston area has business owners on alert. Store owners say thieves are targeting Pokémon cards, other products and cash. At least six stores have been burglarized in the past two weeks across Houston, Cypress and Spring.
Thieves targeting Houston Pokémon card stores
A string of break-ins targeting collectible stores in Houston has left owners devastated. Thieves are stealing valuable Pokémon cards, causing significant financial strain. Join us as we uncover the impact on local businesses and the community's response.
Houston Collectible Stores Targeted: Owners on Edge
Collectible stores in Houston are on high alert after a series of break-ins targeting valuable items. Store owners share their experiences and urge others to enhance security measures as authorities investigate the alarming trend.
Houston weather: Expect another warm day on Thursday, slight relief on the way
A weak boundary arrives late this week and should knock down humidity somewhat Friday. Don’t expect a real fall cooldown, but temperatures could drop to the upper 60s in spots early Friday and Saturday.
Over $6,000 goes flying during pursuit in Pearland; 2 Florida men arrested
Two Florida men were arrested after Pearland police said one of them made multiple ATM transactions using several cards and withdrew large amounts of cash before officers pursued their vehicle.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Cash goes flying during Pearland pursuit
Dash camera video in Pearland captured money going flying during a pursuit last week. Check out the video!
Remains of Jason Landry identified
Nearly six years after Jason Landry's disappearance, human remains have been identified, bringing closure to his family. This report covers the emotional journey and the ongoing mystery surrounding his death.
Jason Landry: Human remains positively identified as man missing since 2020
A Cold Case Unit created by the Texas Attorney General's Office said that DNA analysis has conclusively identified recently recovered human remains as those of Jason Landry, who had been missing since December 2020.