U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on September 26 detained Dr. Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Iowa’s largest public school district. The Des Moines Public Schools confirmed Roberts’ detention, saying in a statement from school board President Jackie Norris, “We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps.”

Roberts has served as superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district (with more than 30,000 students) since July 2023. He has presided over efforts to improve student performance and attendance, reduce out-of-school suspensions that can lead to higher drop-out rates, and address food insecurity.

Roberts’ official bio states that he “was born to immigrant parents from Guyana, and spent most of his formative years in Brooklyn” (New York City). As a middle distance runner specializing in the 800 meters, he won several titles at the collegiate level in the U.S. and competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, representing Guyana.

Associate Superintendent Matt Smith has stepped in as interim superintendent, according to a statement from the Des Moines Public Schools (enclosed in full below). I will update this post as more details become available.

As of the afternoon of September 26, the ICE website indicates that Roberts is being detained at the Pottawattamie County Jail in Council Bluffs.

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Appendix: Statement from Des Moines School Board President Jackie Norris, released by the school district on September 26:

On behalf of the Board of the Des Moines Public Schools, I wish to share information of immediate importance to the DMPS community. 

Pursuant to the Board-approved DMPS leadership succession plan, Matt Smith, Associate Superintendent, will immediately step into the role of Interim Superintendent until further notice. This action follows Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this morning. We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps.

Our priority is to provide a safe, secure and outstanding education for all students and to support our students, families, and employees. The appointment of Mr. Smith as Interim Superintendent ensures that our District continues to operate at the highest level. 

Mr. Smith previously served DMPS as Interim Superintendent during the 2022-2023 school year.  The Board has the highest confidence in Mr. Smith’s leadership at this time. We know you have many questions, and we will provide updates as we learn more confirmed information. We thank you and appreciate your support.