The Justice Department has apprehended a former school superintendent from Des Moines, Iowa, who was living in the United States unlawfully and categorized as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fugitive.
Last Friday, ICE agents arrested Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyanese national, who had a previous weapons-related incident on his record. His status had been under the radar since May 2024, when a deportation order was issued against him.
Upon the agents’ arrival, Roberts made a hasty retreat in his vehicle, only to ultimately abandon it and flee on foot. He was eventually located hiding amongst some foliage, where federal agents placed him in custody.
Inside Roberts’ vehicle, agents discovered a loaded handgun as well as a fixed-blade hunting knife.
BREAKING: A senior ICE official informs @FoxNews that today, ICE apprehended Dr. Ian Andre Roberts, the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, who is identified as an illegal immigrant from Guyana and an active fugitive under ICE’s watch since May 2024. pic.twitter.com/623WGDpqZb
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) September 26, 2025
Here is a photo of the firearm ICE agents found in Dr. Roberts’ vehicle today, reported to be a loaded Glock 19. pic.twitter.com/Cu7fqVqusM
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) September 26, 2025
Notably, since 2020, Roberts has been registered to vote as a Democrat and has been receiving mail-in ballots at his address in Maryland.
Currently, Roberts is in federal custody facing charges related to his immigration status and firearms possession.
According to Fox News reported:
The former Iowa school district leader has been taken by immigration officials into custody.
Roberts, who administered Des Moines Public Schools, is officially no longer in custody at the Woodbury County Jail in Sioux City, which is situated about 150 miles northwest of Des Moines, as confirmed by Sheriff Chad Sheehan.
Roberts was apprehended under a federal warrant and has made his initial court appearance, facing charges for unlawful presence in the United States with firearm possession.
Federal prosecutors have indicated that Roberts, now 54, had four firearms in his possession when he was arrested on September 26 while he was living in the U.S. illegally. He will remain detained until further legal action is taken.
