• Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts arrested by federal immigration agents Friday.
• School board votes unanimously to place him on paid leave during a special Saturday meeting.
• District officials say Roberts’ future will be reassessed once more information is available.

DES MOINES, IA (TDR) — The leader of Iowa’s largest school district has been placed on administrative leave after federal immigration agents arrested him on Friday, saying he was living in the country illegally.

The Des Moines school board convened a rare Saturday meeting and voted unanimously to remove Superintendent Ian Roberts from active duties while the case unfolds. The meeting lasted only three minutes, underscoring the urgency and sensitivity of the situation.

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Board president Jackie Norris, reading from a prepared statement afterward, acknowledged the shock of Roberts’ arrest. “Friday was a jarring day for the district,” Norris said, noting that members had learned of the arrest at the same time as the public. “We still don’t have all the facts. What we know is that Dr. Roberts is currently unavailable to carry out his duties, and our obligation is to ensure the continuity of district leadership.”

Sudden Arrest

Federal authorities took Roberts into custody Friday morning, but details of the arrest remain limited. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed only that Roberts was detained on allegations of unlawful presence in the United States. The agency did not disclose his current status or whether he faces deportation proceedings.

Roberts, who has led the 30,000-student district since 2021, is a prominent figure in Iowa education circles. He previously held administrative roles in Maryland and Ohio before being tapped to lead Des Moines schools. His tenure has included efforts to expand equity programs and improve student achievement in one of the state’s most diverse districts.

District Response

In addition to placing Roberts on paid leave, the board said it would work with district officials to ensure smooth operations during his absence. Assistant superintendents are expected to assume day-to-day responsibilities while the board gathers further information.

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“Our commitment is to our students, teachers, and families,” Norris said. “We will make decisions based on what best ensures stability and educational excellence for this community.”

The district released no additional details on Roberts’ immigration status and did not respond to questions about whether officials had prior knowledge of federal concerns.

Community Reaction

The news spread quickly across Des Moines, sparking confusion and debate among parents and educators. Some expressed sympathy for Roberts, praising his leadership and impact on the district. Others voiced frustration that the superintendent’s residency status was only now surfacing.

“It’s shocking,” said one parent outside district headquarters. “You want to trust that the person leading our schools is above board. But at the same time, I feel for him — he’s been a strong advocate for our kids.”

Local teachers’ representatives urged calm, calling on the district to prioritize students and staff while awaiting clarity.

Uncertain Future

For now, Roberts remains on leave, with his pay and benefits intact. Board members emphasized the decision was temporary and subject to change depending on the outcome of federal proceedings.

“We are in uncharted territory,” Norris admitted. “Our job is to support the district and wait for the facts to emerge.”

As immigration authorities proceed, Des Moines schools — already navigating the challenges of the academic year — face new questions about leadership, continuity, and public trust.

Will the district’s stability hold as the superintendent’s legal battle plays out, or will leadership changes become unavoidable?

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