IA - Des Moines school superintendent arrested by ICE (9/26/2025)

[airportwoman]

The more information that comes out, I'm wondering if they did ANY kind of background check on him! He came here from Guyana in 1999 on a student visa, and also had an outstanding weapons charge.

I grew up in Des Moines, and nothing that happens there surprises me at all - and they've always had some of the best schools in the nation.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts detained by ICE agents

The superintendent of the largest school district in Iowa has been detained by federal immigration officials. Superintendent Ian Roberts of Des Moines Public Schools was arrested Friday after fleeing ICE agents during a traffic stop.

www.iowapublicradio.org

 

[airportwoman]

Update: I don't really have any links that have consistent information about his background. He almost sounds like George Santos v. 2.0. When I do have some confirmed data on his past, I'll post it, but the inconsistencies are not small things by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[Inthedetails]

Update: I don't really have any links that have consistent information about his background. He almost sounds like George Santos v. 2.0. When I do have some confirmed data on his past, I'll post it, but the inconsistencies are not small things by any stretch of the imagination.

Reporters are working right now to verify his background, I'm willing to bet. We should know soon if he lied or not. I'm waiting for confirmed info, fwiw.


jmopinion

 

[outback]

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/26/us/ian-roberts-des-moines-superintendent-arrested-ice

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

Roeder told The Associated Press that the district has seen “nothing that would suggest that he's not a citizen.” The district said Friday afternoon that a third party was hired to conduct a comprehensive background check on Roberts and that Roberts completed an I-9, which requires workers to present documents showing that they were authorized to work. District officials also stated they had no knowledge of an order of removal issued in 2024.

Roberts, who has described himself as a longtime gun owner and hunter, was in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a fixed-blade hunting knife when arrested, ICE said

https://www.chron.com/news/article/des-moines-iowa-public-school-leader-detained-21069538.php

 

[Emerald1328]

The more information that comes out, I'm wondering if they did ANY kind of background check on him! He came here from Guyana in 1999 on a student visa, and also had an outstanding weapons charge.

I grew up in Des Moines, and nothing that happens there surprises me at all - and they've always had some of the best schools in the nation.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts detained by ICE agents

The superintendent of the largest school district in Iowa has been detained by federal immigration officials. Superintendent Ian Roberts of Des Moines Public Schools was arrested Friday after fleeing ICE agents during a traffic stop.

www.iowapublicradio.org

It must have been a while since you’ve been to Des Moines then I grew up in Des Moines, graduated from a Des Moines high school in the late 90’s and am currently raising a family in a Des Moines suburb. It’s unfortunate, but children really have a lot more opportunities if they go to a high school in one of the surrounding districts than if they go to a Des Moines high school. This includes so many things, such as educational opportunities (more AP and advance class offerings), more successful sports teams, higher level of safety. However, if you want a school district around here that cares about meeting the essential needs of each and every child in their district, you can’t do better than DMPS around here. Free meals for students, free home wifi provided for students of low income, diversity and inclusion, etc. This superintendent has been very passionate about the students he serves.

 

[airportwoman]

Here's an update on this increasingly bizarre story.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/29/us/iowa-superintendent-ian-roberts-licence-revoked

<modsnip: off topic>

 

[Emerald1328]

Living in the Des Moines area, at first I was skeptical of his detainment by ICE and the information about Dr. Robert’s they released, especially knowing how publicly he has voiced his concerns and steps he has taken to prevent ICE from entering Des Moines schools.

However, the more information that is released about Dr. Roberts, the more dumbfounded I am. DMPS should immediately terminate their use of the background company they used to vet him. I wonder if DMPS has any recourse against the background check company if all of this is true. It seems like for a superintendent of the largest school district in the state, much of this should have been discovered by a competent background check company.

“Now the public is calling into question the accuracy of his resume and professional accolades. WHO 13 decided to take a closer look at the details listed on his professional LinkedIn profile and online public record

LinkedIn: Morgan State University: Nov 2003 – Nov 2007

-“We can confirm that Ian Roberts attended Morgan State University for graduate school from Fall 2002 until Spring 2007. While attending Morgan, he pursued a Doctor of Education in Urban Educational Leadership,” said the Office of Public Relations. “He did not receive a degree from Morgan State University.”
LinkedIn: St. John’s University: 1998 – 2000

-“I can confirm that Ian Roberts graduated from St. John’s University (NY) with a Masters Degree (MSED in Social Studies 7-12) on 6/04/2000,” said Brian Browne, the Associate Vice President of University Communications & Public Affairs for St. John’s University. “Our records only indicate a Master’s degree, not a Doctorate degree as some Iowa media is reporting.”

Doctorate degree and Trident University​

The authenticity of Dr. Roberts’ reported Doctoral degree remains in question. Dr. Roberts, his attorney, and a 2023 press release from Des Moines Public Schools have all stated that it came from an online program called Trident University International. However, as reported above, the program declined to confirm any details, citing their business policy of needing client consent.

“Principal of the Year” award unverified​

One of the accolades associated with Dr. Roberts is the title of “Washington D.C. Principal of the Year,” allegedly awarded by George Washington University in 2013 during his tenure with District of Columbia Public Schools.

The university told WHO 13 News Tuesday evening that it has no record of awarding the recognition to Roberts, or any DC principals.“

Much more at the link.

https://who13.com/news/metro-news/scrutiny-grows-around-now-former-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-credentials-and-career-history/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANJ7U1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgmcLaysBimsT94IFYSmzW8L9PZEdllxubvXBsnfTT2rf9SMM_L5zjkszx-E_aem_aV_plxFFD2N_i-iXOwwi2Q

 

[mickey2942]

Having worked in three different school districts, I can't believe that this guy didn't have a full background check, and fingerprints done. I have had so many background checks now, with fingerprints my results come back, with a full FBI check, within a day.

It is disturbing that a man with gun charges, was in a position of public trust, and working around children. Granted, he was far away from the classroom. But he could have easily walked into any school. And potentially been a threat.

Or, he did have background checks, and gave such a performance, of deceit, these people were mislead. Anyone connected with hiring this guy needs to be replaced. Immediately.

 

[Inthedetails]

A question for those in the education field - is it normal for someone at the superintendent level to move around so much? It seems he didn't stay long in any one place. Maybe that is common, but I don't know. To me, it seems like a good job that you'd want to keep for the long-term for your own convenience as well as to make a bigger impact in your work. When I see frequent moving, I do wonder if there are reasons for it, like someone keeping ahead of scrutiny. But I could be wrong!

jmopinion

 

[mommylicious]

A question for those in the education field - is it normal for someone at the superintendent level to move around so much? It seems he didn't stay long in any one place. Maybe that is common, but I don't know. To me, it seems like a good job that you'd want to keep for the long-term for your own convenience as well as to make a bigger impact in your work. When I see frequent moving, I do wonder if there are reasons for it, like someone keeping ahead of scrutiny. But I could be wrong!

jmopinion

Not necessarily. I work in a smallish district for my area. Ours is often a stopover point for administrators before they can move on to a bigger or more lucrative district. Once they get those, though, they do tend to stay.

I'm not sure if that's the case here or not. Definitely an interesting one to follow.

 

[airportwoman]

A question for those in the education field - is it normal for someone at the superintendent level to move around so much? It seems he didn't stay long in any one place. Maybe that is common, but I don't know. To me, it seems like a good job that you'd want to keep for the long-term for your own convenience as well as to make a bigger impact in your work. When I see frequent moving, I do wonder if there are reasons for it, like someone keeping ahead of scrutiny. But I could be wrong!

jmopinion

I wondered the same thing myself.

 

[BayouBelle_LA]

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.
…
The false claim on Roberts’ resume might not have been legally disqualifying, but it may have raised concerns about his integrity, education administration experts said.

“That’s a pretty big discrepancy,” said Sadika Jubo, managing partner of the School Liability Expert Group, a New Jersey firm that provides expert witnesses. “I think red flags would go up for the district. ... If they are making misrepresentations on their CV, is this a person of moral character? They are going to be in charge of the district, money, funds, people’s lives. Is this someone that we want to hire?”

Iowa district hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim on his resume

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.

apnews.com

 

[Emerald1328]

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.
…
The false claim on Roberts’ resume might not have been legally disqualifying, but it may have raised concerns about his integrity, education administration experts said.

“That’s a pretty big discrepancy,” said Sadika Jubo, managing partner of the School Liability Expert Group, a New Jersey firm that provides expert witnesses. “I think red flags would go up for the district. ... If they are making misrepresentations on their CV, is this a person of moral character? They are going to be in charge of the district, money, funds, people’s lives. Is this someone that we want to hire?”

Iowa district hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim on his resume

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.

apnews.com

I don’t know if this had anything to do with the school board looking the other way, but they were under immense pressure to find a replacement superintendent before they hired Roberts. The previous DMPS superintendent had basically been forced out because he didn’t follow the governor’s orders to reopen schools when she wanted them to reopen, as he was concerned about the public’s health and safety.

He was quite well liked in the Des Moines area by members of the school district, but I guess an order is an order. In general, the Des Moines area is significantly more progressive than most of the state, so there is a push/pull between the conservatives in charge of the government and the progressive economic and social leaders of this 200 square mile area that holds 1/4 of the state’s population.

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district announced Monday he would resign in June after a decade-long tenure, which included a standoff with the state’s conservative governor over coronavirus protections that led to his public reprimand.”

…

“Politics definitely plays a huge role in the superintendency, especially in the particular dynamics we have in Des Moines right now,” he said. “We’re a very red state right now. We’re the urban center. We’re by far the most diverse.”

Des Moines schools leader resigns from 'exhausting' job

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district announced Monday he would resign in June after a decade-long tenure, which included a standoff with the state’s conservative governor over coronavirus protections that led to his public reprimand.

cbs2iowa.com

 

[Inthedetails]

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.
…
The false claim on Roberts’ resume might not have been legally disqualifying, but it may have raised concerns about his integrity, education administration experts said.

“That’s a pretty big discrepancy,” said Sadika Jubo, managing partner of the School Liability Expert Group, a New Jersey firm that provides expert witnesses. “I think red flags would go up for the district. ... If they are making misrepresentations on their CV, is this a person of moral character? They are going to be in charge of the district, money, funds, people’s lives. Is this someone that we want to hire?”

Iowa district hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim on his resume

The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, falsely claimed a doctoral degree when applying for the job two years ago but was hired even after the school board learned about the misrepresentation.

apnews.com

I am shocked they would hire a leader in education who lied about his education. Really disappointed to hear that.

jmopinion

 

[mickey2942]

I am shocked they would hire a leader in education who lied about his education. Really disappointed to hear that.

jmopinion

I know! I had to provide transcripts, sent from the university, before I was hired. Gee, I guess that it would have been okay in Iowa, to just "say" I have a Master Degree in Special Education. Then, if I was caught in a lie, just say, "Well, I did graduate from high school.". Same difference.

LOL.

 

[sunspun]

The authenticity of Dr. Roberts’ reported Doctoral degree remains in question. Dr. Roberts, his attorney, and a 2023 press release from Des Moines Public Schools have all stated that it came from an online program called Trident University International. However, as reported above, the program declined to confirm any details, citing their business policy of needing client consent.

Is that a common policy for universities to not release records without "client" consent?Or is that unique to Trident? If it's not the usual policy of most universities, maybe this is why he chose this school in particular.

 

[Inthedetails]

I know! I had to provide transcripts, sent from the university, before I was hired. Gee, I guess that it would have been okay in Iowa, to just "say" I have a Master Degree in Special Education. Then, if I was caught in a lie, just say, "Well, I did graduate from high school.". Same difference.

LOL.

Right! Plus, I'd like to think it's a priority to teach children intrigity and honesty - even above academics - and for people in leadership to set examples. They blew it.

jmopinion

 

[Eli9]

Living in the Des Moines area, at first I was skeptical of his detainment by ICE and the information about Dr. Robert’s they released, especially knowing how publicly he has voiced his concerns and steps he has taken to prevent ICE from entering Des Moines schools.

However, the more information that is released about Dr. Roberts, the more dumbfounded I am. DMPS should immediately terminate their use of the background company they used to vet him. I wonder if DMPS has any recourse against the background check company if all of this is true. It seems like for a superintendent of the largest school district in the state, much of this should have been discovered by a competent background check company.

“Now the public is calling into question the accuracy of his resume and professional accolades. WHO 13 decided to take a closer look at the details listed on his professional LinkedIn profile and online public record

LinkedIn: Morgan State University: Nov 2003 – Nov 2007

-“We can confirm that Ian Roberts attended Morgan State University for graduate school from Fall 2002 until Spring 2007. While attending Morgan, he pursued a Doctor of Education in Urban Educational Leadership,” said the Office of Public Relations. “He did not receive a degree from Morgan State University.”
LinkedIn: St. John’s University: 1998 – 2000

-“I can confirm that Ian Roberts graduated from St. John’s University (NY) with a Masters Degree (MSED in Social Studies 7-12) on 6/04/2000,” said Brian Browne, the Associate Vice President of University Communications & Public Affairs for St. John’s University. “Our records only indicate a Master’s degree, not a Doctorate degree as some Iowa media is reporting.”

Doctorate degree and Trident University​

The authenticity of Dr. Roberts’ reported Doctoral degree remains in question. Dr. Roberts, his attorney, and a 2023 press release from Des Moines Public Schools have all stated that it came from an online program called Trident University International. However, as reported above, the program declined to confirm any details, citing their business policy of needing client consent.

“Principal of the Year” award unverified​

One of the accolades associated with Dr. Roberts is the title of “Washington D.C. Principal of the Year,” allegedly awarded by George Washington University in 2013 during his tenure with District of Columbia Public Schools.

The university told WHO 13 News Tuesday evening that it has no record of awarding the recognition to Roberts, or any DC principals.“

Much more at the link.

https://who13.com/news/metro-news/scrutiny-grows-around-now-former-des-moines-superintendent-ian-roberts-credentials-and-career-history/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANJ7U1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgmcLaysBimsT94IFYSmzW8L9PZEdllxubvXBsnfTT2rf9SMM_L5zjkszx-E_aem_aV_plxFFD2N_i-iXOwwi2Q

I'm still on my first cup of coffee but find it so funny that this article is talking about how they cannot confirm Roberts Doctoral degree yet he is continually referred as Dr. Roberts. HAHAHA. I don't know why it's making me crack up.

 

[Eli9]

Very informative article at link. A few more lies and some interesting truth's.

What we know about Ian Roberts, the Des Moines Superintendent arrested by ICE

Ian Roberts' arrest by ICE has garnered international attention and prompted a closer look at his background.

iowastartingline.com

Roberts had no connection to the MIT Sloan School of Management, an institution he previously claimed to have earned a master’s of business administration from. The latter investigation also confirmed Roberts had never won a “Principal of the Year” award from George Washington University, as he’d claimed.

Roberts had a previous gun charge in 2020

Here is glowing article from 2024 that describes his work ethics, his experience at the 2000 summer Olympics representing Guyana, and how he traveled the world as a motivational speaker as well as the 6 books he has authored.

https://who13.com/news/special-reports/dr-roberts-excels-in-academics-and-sports-making-it-to-the-2000-summer-olympics/