UPDATE: The former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Ian Roberts, is set to plead guilty today in federal court to charges of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in September 2025. This urgent case highlights critical issues regarding immigration and public safety.
Roberts, a native of Guyana, was apprehended on September 26, 2025, during a targeted operation. Reports indicate he attempted to evade federal agents while driving a school-issued vehicle. After a brief pursuit, he was located with assistance from state troopers. Authorities later discovered his abandoned vehicle in a wooded area, which contained a loaded handgun and $3,000 in cash.
In addition to being charged with making a false statement for employment, Roberts faces another charge for unlawfully possessing a firearm while being in the country illegally. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 20 years in prison. The charges stem from allegations that Roberts falsely claimed U.S. citizenship on his I-9 Employment Eligibility Form when he was hired by the Iowa school district in 2023, using a fabricated Social Security card and driver’s license.
Furthermore, Roberts reportedly misrepresented his citizenship status while applying for a professional administrator’s license from the state board of educational examiners. He was scheduled to appear before an immigration judge in October 2020, prior to the expiration of his work authorization, with a final removal hearing set for 2024.
As part of his plea deal, the government will not pursue additional charges related to the firearms found in his possession or the false statements made during his employment application. Alongside the prison sentence, Roberts faces potential fines totaling $500,000 and up to three years of supervised release for each charge.
In a response to Roberts’ arrest, Cooper Smith, director of Homeland Security and Immigration at the America First Policy Institute, emphasized the need to address such issues. He stated, “An illegal alien was able to falsely claim U.S. citizenship, get a top job in a public school system, and illegally possess firearms. This must end, and thankfully, the Trump Administration is taking strong action.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case raises significant questions about immigration policies and the integrity of employment verification processes in public institutions. The community of Des Moines and beyond will be closely watching for the outcomes of today’s court proceedings and any further implications regarding Roberts’ actions.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
