Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security say Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was a "criminal illegal alien" who lacked authorization to work in the United States prior to his arrest Friday.

Roberts, who has led DMPS since 2023, was detained Friday, Sept. 26, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers assisted by the Iowa State Patrol.

In an emailed statement, the federal agency said Roberts was detained in a "targeted enforcement operation." Roberts allegedly sped away when officers approached his vehicle and identified themselves, and officers found his vehicle abandoned in a nearby wooded area. Inside was found a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a hunting knife, the department said.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts arr

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