According to federal and local officials, Ian Roberts, a Superintendent of State Schools, was arrested in the immigration customs enforcement and is considered to be in Pottawattamie County Prison.
The report of DES Moines School Council Jackie Norris, announced on Friday, September 26, said the Associated Superintendent Matt Smith will be a temporary superintendent until further announcement. DMPS officials said they did not know why Roberts was detained.
“This action follows Dr. Ian Roberts, which was detained this morning by agents of the Immigration Customs Execution (ICE). We do not have confirmed information about why Dr. Roberts or other potential steps were detained,” the report states.
From 2023 In July Roberts served as a superintendent of public schools. Smith previously worked as a temporary superintendent in 2022-23 school year.
Ian Roberts is talking to the media after being announced by the new DMPS superintendent at the Central Town of the State School Board in 2023. Tuesday, May 16, des Moines.
Internet entries confirm that Roberts is under the auspices of ICE
Immigration and Customs and the Homeland Security Department did not immediately return requests to comment, but online posts confirm Roberts arrest.
According to the Ice website, Roberts is under the care of the agency, currently detained in Pottawattamie County Prison.
This will help him close to the Omaha Imigration Court, the nearest federal immigration court, des Moines.
The US Immigration and Customs Execution Website contains Ian Roberts, a superintendent of public schools, who was detained in Pottawattamie County 2025. September 26th.
What is Ian Roberts, des Moineso Superintendent?
Roberts became the super -tendent of the State Schools of State Schools in 2023. In July He replaced the long -time superintendent Tom Ahart, who resigned at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
Before his career, Roberts competed in 2000. At the Sydney Olympics at the Guyana Athletics Competition as a medium -range runner.
More: What is Ian Roberts? What do you know about ‘des Moines’ superintendent arrested by ice
Reactions to the arrest of superintendent Ian Roberts
The Board of Directors, the umbrella group of several non -profit organizations, focused on the DES Moines Black community, said in a statement that Roberts is a “valuable member of our board” and that it is also looking for detailed information about its detention circumstances.
“Dr. Roberts was a reliable partner, a dedicated property defender and a continuous supporter of families and youth in Polko County,” said Facebook. His contribution to both the Board of Directors and the wider community is immeasurable, and we stand with him at this indefinite moment. ”
Alison Hoeman, the founder of the Non -profit Des Moines Refugee Support, said she was stunned when she heard the news and that her phone “blew up” this morning with friends and volunteers’ texts already looking for ways to support Roberts. She learned from DES Moines for the families of public students calling her parents, asking, “Nothing will happen to Roberts, a doctor, right?”
“You know that black and brown kids are worried,” she said. “If this is Ian Roberts who has a problem, what does it mean to them?”
Read the entire DMPS letter to DES Moines for the School Community
“On behalf of the Board of State Schools, I would like to share information about direct importance to the DMPS community.
According to the DMPS leadership inheritance plan approved by the Board, the Associated Superintendent Matt Smith will immediately engage in the role of the temporary superintendent before the next announcement. This action follows dr. Ian Roberts, which was detained this morning by agents of the Immigration Customs Execution (ICE). We do not have confirmed information about why dr. Roberts or other potential steps.
Our priority is to provide safe, safe and excellent education for all students and support our students, families and staff. After the appointment of Mr. Smith is a temporary Superintendent, ensuring that our district continues to operate at the highest level.
Mr. Smith previously worked as a temporary superintendent in 2022-2023 school year. The board is currently very confident in Mr. Smith’s leadership. We know that you have a lot of questions and we will provide updates when we find out more confirmed information. Thank you and appreciate your support.
Jackie Norris, Chairman of the Board
Des Moines public school
This story will be updated.
Journalist Amanda Tugado contributed to this post.
This article initially appeared in the DES Moines Register: DMPS Superintendent arrested in ICE, according to the area