The recent immigration arrest of Des Moines Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts presents a rather bizarre scenario. He was previously seen as a calm education leader promoting “radical empathy” to students and staff. Yet, in a panic, he abandoned his district car while trying to escape from ICE agents on foot, leaving behind a loaded Glock 9mm, a hunting knife, and a brick of cash, which he apparently dropped in his haste.
Since the incident, further revelations have painted “Dr. Roberts” as a manipulative figure. He reportedly diverted significant district funds to a consulting firm that employed him, which adds another layer to the unfolding saga.
The real issue, however, is the school board’s apparent indifference towards the background and identity of an employee with a salary in the six figures who was not only evading the law but also deportation.
It seems that the Des Moines Unified School District is somewhat skilled at navigating the review process, albeit in a way that suggests they didn’t want to dig too deeply.
Many Americans might not fully grasp how hollow the promises made by both Republican and Democratic presidents have been, especially concerning keeping undesirables out and thoroughly vetting those allowed to live and work in the country.
Some might say: The government isn’t being truthful.
Having worked in media before transitioning to business intelligence and investigations, I’ve encountered this firsthand. I joined Sapient Investigations, Inc. in 2010 and spent over a decade as a senior staff investigator. My casework has always revolved around thorough background checks for various private equity firms and wealthy individuals.
These clients invest considerable amounts to ensure they properly vet people, which, when executed effectively, can reveal potential risks. The insights we extract—criminal histories, civil litigation patterns, and financial evaluations—have proven invaluable in helping clients steer clear of potentially disastrous partnerships.
Investigators today utilize a vast range of databases that can uncover a myriad of details about individuals—but, notably, this pertains to “American” lives.
A crucial aspect of this evaluation is whether someone resides in a country with robust infrastructure capable of collecting and storing important data. A reliable system depends on comprehensive court records, police reports, corporate documents, and other vital records.
Outside of the U.S., however, gathering such extensive information becomes much more complicated, even in other developed nations. The seemingly simple task of obtaining data can transform into a monumental challenge in places like Australia, Canada, or the U.K. In developing countries, it may be nearly impossible to accurately assess individuals.
The notion that the millions of immigrants arriving in the U.S. this century have undergone thorough vetting is somewhat fanciful. We can’t apply the same rigorous scrutiny to immigrants from developing nations, which often lack reliable documentation systems.
As illustrated by Roberts’ case, even verifying something as straightforward as a date of birth can be tricky. He presented conflicting birth dates across different documents, demonstrating how easily such deceptions can happen. There have been cases where individuals in their 20s used counterfeit documents to gain admission to American high schools, later unveiling past issues.
Ultimately, the Des Moines Unified School District seemed more focused on their public image than on uncovering Roberts’ background. They were eager to tout him as a significant hire. Yet, they can’t hide behind the notion that they did everything possible to vet someone who was reportedly carrying large sums of cash and a firearm on school property.
With millions of immigrants residing in the U.S., it’s essential for Americans to engage in a serious discussion regarding who should stay and who should not. This dialogue must recognize two key truths: our lack of knowledge about these individuals and the necessity to collectively decide with this uncertainty in mind.
Mark Cromer is a journalist and author of “California Twilight: Essays and Memories of the End of the Golden State.”
