The unfolding scandal in Des Moines, Iowa, has escalated dramatically as it has come to light that Dr. Ian Andre Roberts, the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is an illegal alien fugitive from Guyana. His dramatic arrest by ICE agents led to his immediate placement on paid leave, just months after taking office.
On Friday, Dr. Roberts was apprehended by ICE, who had been tracking him since he had a final deportation order issued in May 2024.
According to Fox News journalist Bill Melugin, an intense chase ensued after Roberts was identified by ICE. Not one to win the race, he fled the scene in his vehicle, ultimately abandoning it and trying to escape on foot. The Iowa State Police, with the help of a K9 unit, successfully located him hiding among some greenery.
A loaded Glock 19 handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and a hefty sum of $3,000 were recovered from his vehicle, not to mention a prior weapons arrest dating back to 2020 that raises eyebrows about the vetting process he allegedly passed.
Despite these alarming red flags, Roberts was appointed as superintendent in July 2023, following a seemingly rigorous national search conducted by an external recruitment firm.
In 2023, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners issued him a superintendent license, an approval that astonishingly did not highlight his immigration issues during an FBI criminal background check.
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In a swift reaction to this scandal, the Des Moines Public Schools district announced that Roberts will be on paid leave while an investigation is underway.
Board Chair Jackie Norris released an extensive statement defending the district’s hiring protocols. She insisted that Roberts had passed all necessary checks and claimed ignorance about his questionable immigration status.
Norris stressed that Roberts “affirmed he was a U.S. citizen” when completing employment documents and emphasized that his superintendent license was issued without any issues.
In a deft attempt to redirect blame, she pointed fingers at the consulting firm JG Consulting, alleging their failure to uncover potential warnings.
Norris encouraged the community to “cool down the rhetoric”:
Board Chair Jackie Norris:
“Yesterday was a shocking day for many, not only at Des Moines Public Schools but across the community and beyond. In 2023, we welcomed Dr. Roberts with open arms. His support for our students was commendable, making yesterday’s news all the more startling.”“We are still piecing together the details. According to ICE, an immigration judge issued a final removal order for Dr. Roberts back in May 2024—information that we had no prior knowledge of, which is certainly troubling.”
“Everyone here was unaware of any citizenship or immigration complications Dr. Roberts might have faced. The allegations from ICE are grave, and we are treating them with the seriousness they demand.”
Roberts has acquired representation from the Parish-Credanier law firm, which has already provided a statement on his behalf and is expected to issue further remarks.
“As we shared earlier, employers—including DMPS—are mandated to verify the employment eligibility of every employee. In this case, Dr. Roberts submitted the necessary documentation following the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. All records indicate he verified his status as a citizen eligible for employment within the district.”
“The Iowa Department of Education licensed Dr. Roberts in 2023, and the board received no concerns from the FBI background check regarding his eligibility,” she articulated.
“Later, we will clarify the steps taken by the board during the superintendent search and how Dr. Roberts was ultimately hired.”
“Both support for our interim superintendent and staff as they guide our 35,000 students onwards is paramount, as is our obligation to investigate and understand this significant issue as a community.”
“It is essential to acknowledge the sincerity of our hiring process, which involves comprehensive background checks for every new hire. These checks are a routine measure, re-evaluated regularly.”
“To reiterate, a background check was indeed conducted for Dr. Roberts, as is standard across all hires. We will share the specific procedures that led to Roberts’ appointment.”
“In December 2022, the school board authorized a contract with JG Consulting to aid in our search for well-qualified candidates for the superintendent position.”
“From January to March of 2023, the board collaborated with the search firm to determine the necessary traits and qualifications for candidates, leading to interviews in April and May.”
“Finally, on May 16, the school board officially approved Dr. Roberts as the new superintendent, commencing his term on July 1, 2023.”
“The JG Consulting firm’s responsibilities included informing the district of any significant findings, whether positive or negative, regarding the candidates, including thorough criminal and background assessments performed by a third-party provider.”
“The company chosen for these assessments, Baker U. Banks, reported no citizenship or immigration issues associated with Dr. Roberts.”
“Following his selection, Dr. Roberts applied for his superintendent license, which the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners granted on July 11, 2023.”
“This entire situation appears even more alarming considering Dr. Roberts’ two-decade history as an educator and leader across several states including Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland, Washington D.C., and New York.”
“Des Moines Public Schools is fully cooperating with state authorities in their request for information.”
“Finally, we must all strive for constructive discourse and refrain from spreading misinformation that hinders us. Our elected officials as role models for our youth is essential. Let’s curb the negativity and seek truth instead.”
“During this challenging time, we need to uplift our district, students, and staff while negating hateful messages directed at us.”
WATCH:
BREAKING
Des Moines Public Schools have just put Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid leave, with Board Chair Jackie Norris discussing his claim of citizenship and the outsourcing of his hiring processes… pic.twitter.com/c6PIfOh8aQ
— Laura Powell (@LauraPowellEsq) September 27, 2025
