Superintendent Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyanese national detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has resigned from his post as head of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS).
Roberts, who was placed on paid administrative leave last week, submitted his resignation through his attorney on Tuesday. His letter stated that he did not want to distract the school board and staff from their focus on students.
ICE said Roberts was arrested last Friday after being found in the US illegally and subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. Agents alleged he fled from a school vehicle before being caught with assistance from Iowa State Patrol. He is being held at the Woodbury County Jail.
The agency further claimed Roberts was in possession of a loaded handgun, US$3,000 in cash and a hunting knife at the time. He also faces existing weapons charges dating back to February 2020, with the firearm investigation now handed over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has filed a motion to stay proceedings and is seeking to reopen the case, arguing that his client believed his immigration status had been settled based on advice from prior legal representation. He also dismissed suggestions of political interference in the matter.
Parrish confirmed contact with the Guyanese consulate in New York and urged patience as legal proceedings continue.
Roberts, 54, previously served as a cadet officer in the Guyana Police Force during the 1990s. Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe remembered him as disciplined and well-liked, also noting his time as an athlete.
According to the Des Moines School Board, Roberts is a former Olympian and World Championship runner for Guyana. He holds degrees from Coppin State, St John’s, Georgetown, and Trident universities, and has educational certificates from Harvard. He became licensed in Iowa in July 2023.
