Arrested Superintendent: Des Moines Schools Sue Recruiter After Hiring Immigrant Felon
Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyanan national with a history of immigration issues and criminal charges, was hired as superintendent of the Des Moines Public School District in 2023. After nearly 18 months, he was arrested by ICE in 2025.
Roberts' immigration history is marked by multiple visa and green card applications, all denied, and numerous entries and exits from the U.S. In 2020, USCIS issued him a Notice to Appear, leading to a 2024 removal order in absentia.
Despite his immigration status and extensive criminal history dating back to 1996, including narcotics possession and weapon charges, the Des Moines Public School Board hired Roberts. His criminal record also includes unauthorized use of a vehicle and reckless driving.
In 2025, ICE arrested Roberts in Des Moines. He was found in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. He was driving a school district vehicle at the time. Roberts remains in U.S. Marshals custody, charged with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms.
Following Roberts' arrest, the school board sued the Texas-based search firm that presented him as a potential superintendent, alleging failure to properly vet him. Roberts' immigration status and criminal history raise questions about the hiring process and background checks conducted by the school district.
