Iowa Democrats Stand Behind Arrested School Principal
This week, Iowa Democrats are rallying in support of school principals arrested by ICE for alleged immigration violations, a situation led by school board chairs who previously played significant roles in the Obama administration.
After the recent arrest of Ian Roberts, the director of Des Moines Public Schools, school board chair Jackie Norris emphasized the need for “radical sympathy” as Roberts’ case progresses. Notably, Norris once served as Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama. In the meantime, state Republicans are seeking to investigate how Roberts was hired in the first place.
Norris expressed her backing for Roberts, stating that “we don’t have all the facts,” indicating that, well, there’s quite a bit we’re still trying to piece together. “What I can say for sure is that Dr. Roberts has been a vital part of our school community for over two years now,” she added.
It’s worth mentioning that Roberts was arrested amid a previous weapons charge; it was reported that he was found with a loaded handgun during a pursuit. Norris detailed how he has contributed to advocating for their students and rethinking education for future generations.
Roberts joined the school district in July 2023, following over two decades of experience in various educational roles across the U.S. Though Norris wasn’t the chair when Roberts was appointed, she’s been a member since 2021.
Republican legislators in Iowa are now calling for a wider investigation to ensure appropriate hiring practices in schools statewide. The Iowa House Government Supervisory Committee even sent a letter to Des Moines Public Schools urging them to preserve all documents related to Roberts’ employment.
“We must push to establish laws that enhance employment protocols and improve transparency in district operations,” stated Rep. Austin Harris. “Families in Iowa deserve a safe and effective education system for their kids.”
Responding to queries, Des Moines Public Schools didn’t immediately offer a comment.
ICE has claimed that Roberts is from Guyana and is in the U.S. illegally, noting he had received a final removal order from a judge in May 2024. His arrest followed a reported incident where he fled from law enforcement, eventually abandoning his vehicle in the woods.
“The suspect was apprehended for possessing a loaded weapon inside a car provided by Des Moines Public Schools after eluding federal agents,” mentioned Sam Olson, director of the ICE ERO St. Paul Field Office. He also stressed that this situation should alert the community regarding public safety. The circumstances surrounding how someone in this position was hired, without job approval and in light of a final removal order, raise serious concerns for parents in the district.
The district has stated that Roberts had previously completed an I-9 to demonstrate his legal status, but it was processed through a third-party group, which didn’t have access to the removal order.
Roberts originally came to the United States on a student visa back in 1999 and faced a weapons possession charge in 2020.
