Ian Andre Roberts
Dr. Ian Andre Roberts is the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, having been appointed in July 2023 after a nationwide search. Born to immigrant parents from Guyana, he has a diverse background in education and has worked in various states including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Missouri. Prior to his educational career, Roberts represented Guyana as a middle-distance runner at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Recently, he made headlines after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for living in the United States illegally and facing weapons charges, raising significant concerns about his background and employment eligibility.
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Recent news mentions
Ian Andre Roberts, a native of Guyana in South America, was the leader of Des Moines Public Schools and pleaded guilty to federal charges including falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen.
Ex-Iowa schools chief admits false US citizenship claim, gun charge
United States· 2026-01-23
Ian Andre Roberts, an illegal immigrant, served as the superintendent of Iowa’s largest school system before being arrested by ICE.
Maryland releases voter registration records of illegal immigrant school chiefUnited States· 2025-12-02
Ian Andre Roberts, an illegal immigrant and former superintendent of Iowa's largest school system, was arrested by federal authorities this year.
Maryland county heavily redacts illegal alien's voter registration docsUnited States· 2025-11-24
Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyana national and former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is set to go to trial on charges of illegally owning a gun and lying on employment forms.
Former Guyanese education superintendent in Iowa set for trial December 1
Guyana· 2025-11-08
Ian Andre Roberts was the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools who was detained by ICE for having a falsified academic background.
Yale expels fake student, raising academic fraud and security concernsUnited States· 2025-11-02
Ian Andre Roberts was arrested by ICE for allegedly residing illegally in the country since the early 2000s.
¿Cómo pasó los exámenes? ICE arresta a un policía novato indocumentado en Chicago antes de graduarse
Guatemala· 2025-10-18
Ian Roberts faces up to 10 years in prison for a federal gun charge after being arrested by ICE.
Des Moines school board chair drops Senate race over illegal immigrant hireUnited States· 2025-10-17
Ian Roberts, former head of Des Moines Public Schools, has a long criminal history, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Search firm behind Ian Roberts selection recruits top school leaders nationwideUnited States· 2025-10-10
The recent arrest of Ian Andre Roberts, a beloved Guyana-born superintendent of schools in Des Moines, Iowa, has revealed new ways the American government is reviewing the work permits of its residents.
Why ordinary Tanzanians’ US visa dreams are now shattering
Tanzania· 2025-10-06
Ian Andre Roberts, a former public school superintendent, faces multiple criminal charges including illegal weapons possession and drug trafficking.
Drugs, weapons and illegal immigration charges filed against former public school superintendentUnited States· 2025-10-04Superintendent Ian Andre Roberts has resigned from his position amid legal troubles with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Guyanese school superintendent arrested by ICE resignsGuyana· 2025-10-01
Ian Andre Roberts, the Guyana national and superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for being in the country illegally.
Education licence of arrested Guyanese school superintendent revoked in IowaGuyana· 2025-09-30Ian Andre Roberts is a Guyana national and superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools who was arrested by ICE for being in the country illegally.
Guyanese schools superintendent getting overwhelming public support despite arrest by ICE in IowaGuyana· 2025-09-28
Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyana national and superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested in an operation by ICE for being in the country illegally.
ICE holds Guyanese superintendent of Iowa public school districtGuyana· 2025-09-27
Ian Andre Roberts was arrested on Friday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a fugitive warrant.
ICE arrests top educator at Iowa's largest school district
United Kingdom· 2025-09-27
Ian Roberts, head of Des Moines Public Schools, was arrested by immigration authorities on Friday after a brief chase.
Dr Ian Roberts, Des Moines schools chief detained for illegal statusUnited States· 2025-09-26