Des Moines School Leader's Future in Jeopardy After Immigration Arrest

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:14:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Superintendent Ian Roberts faces deportation proceedings as his legal team seeks a stay. The Des Moines school board is poised to make critical decisions about his employment.

In a developing story, Des Moines public schools leader Ian Roberts has been detained by U.S. Immigration authorities for alleged illegal residency. His legal team has filed for a stay in deportation proceedings as the school board has placed him on unpaid leave, awaiting proof of his legal work status. A critical decision could be made soon, impacting the future of the district's leadership.

DES MOINES, Iowa — The future of Ian Roberts, the Des Moines public schools superintendent, hangs in the balance after his recent detention by immigration authorities. Lawyers for Roberts are requesting that deportation proceedings be paused while they sort out his legal status.

Attorney Alfredo Parrish confirmed that the request was filed under seal with the federal immigration court in Omaha. A news conference is expected later to provide more insight.

Roberts was detained last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which claims he was living and working in the U.S. illegally. Following his detention, the state board moved swiftly to revoke his superintendent license.

The Des Moines school board has voted to place Roberts on unpaid leave while urging him to present documentation proving his legal right to work in the U.S. If he fails to do so by noon on Tuesday, dismissal proceedings will begin. A special session of the board could convene as early as Tuesday evening.

Roberts, aged 54, has been held at the Woodbury County Jail since his arrest, eliciting significant attention in the community and among the students and staff in the 30,000-student district.