Des Moines Public School Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was detained by ICE Friday afternoon. According to DHS, ICE officers approached Roberts in his vehicle before Roberts sped away, later abandoning the vehicle near a wooded area. After an ensuing search in which DHS received support from Iowa State Patrol, Roberts was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife. Following the arrest, the Des Moines Public School District released a statement stating that Roberts underwent a comprehensive background check before taking over in 2023. Roberts had made the board aware of a firearm charge related to a hunting rifle, and provided quote “sufficient context and explanation” to move forward. The board will have a special closed session today to discuss the matter. In the meantime, Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will step in as interim superintendent until further notice.

David Braga – KFJB News Reporter