Des Moines Superintendent Resigns Amid Immigration Controversy

Des Moines, October 2, 2025

News Summary

Ian Roberts has resigned as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools after being arrested for immigration violations and illegal possession of firearms. His arrest raised concerns about his hiring and claims of academic credentials. The board accepted his resignation unanimously, and the Justice Department is investigating potential racial discrimination in hiring practices at DMPS. Matt Smith has been appointed as interim superintendent amidst the fallout from Roberts’ tenure.

Des Moines – Ian Roberts, the newly appointed superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), has resigned following his arrest for immigration violations and firearm charges. The arrest took place on September 26, 2025, when Roberts was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly being in the United States illegally. This incident confirmed suspicions that arose after an immigration judge had revoked his work authorization and issued a “final order of removal” back in May 2024.

Roberts had been residing and working in the United States without legal authorization after his employment authorization card expired in 2020. Originally entering the U.S. on an F-1 student visa in 1999 for studies at St. John’s University, his situation deteriorated over the years due to lapses in his legal status.

During his arrest, authorities discovered he was in possession of a loaded handgun, approximately $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife. It was revealed that Roberts had previously been charged with weapon possession in February 2020. ICE reported that not only was he living and working illegally, but that he also had a history of legal troubles.

After the arrest, Roberts immediately resigned from his position as superintendent, which was accepted unanimously by the DMPS school board in a 7-0 vote. Prior to his resignation, he had already been placed on unpaid leave by the board. DMPS officials stated that they were not aware of Roberts’ immigration status and had not known he lacked proper work authorization.

Although Roberts had claimed to have completed an MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management and to have received a “Principal of the Year” award from George Washington University, investigations showed that these claims were false. MIT Sloan confirmed he was never enrolled, and George Washington University indicated that it does not offer such an award.

Due to the immigration issues, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has since revoked his educational license. Throughout his brief tenure, Roberts was recognized for attempting to implement diversity initiatives within the DMPS hiring process. However, the Justice Department has announced an investigation into the DMPS regarding potential racial discrimination in hiring practices stemming from this controversy.

In light of Roberts’ resignation, Matt Smith has been appointed as the interim superintendent to provide continuity in leadership during this challenging time for the district. Community members have expressed concern regarding how Roberts’ detention could negatively impact students, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

State lawmakers have also shown outrage over Roberts’ hiring under these circumstances, calling for an investigation into DMPS’s hiring practices. Furthermore, Roberts is reportedly contesting a deportation order to his home country, Guyana. The chair of the DMPS board has indicated that, despite the unfolding crisis, Roberts had been a significant part of the school community.

Key Facts

• Ian Roberts was hired as the superintendent of DMPS in July 2023.
• Roberts was arrested for immigration violations and possessed illegal firearms.
• Roberts’ immigration status was unverified by DMPS during hiring.
• His educational license was revoked due to false claims and illegal status.
• Matt Smith will serve as interim superintendent following Roberts’ resignation.
• The Justice Department is investigating DMPS for potential racial discrimination.

Context

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about immigration reform and educational policies within the United States. Given Roberts’ focus on diversity initiatives, the ramifications of his actions may further complicate the hiring and immigration processes for school districts nationwide.

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Additional Resources

• Fox News: Former Des Moines Schools Superintendent Taken Into Custody
• Des Moines Register: DMPS Superintendent Arrested by ICE
• Axios: Des Moines Superintendent Challenges Decade
• Google Search: Des Moines Public Schools superintendent
• KMJ Now: Des Moines Scandal Disqualifies Democrat
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.