Former Superintendent Taken Into Custody by ICE Reportedly Sentenced to Two Years, Possible Deportation Ahead

Des Moines Superintendent Sentenced to Prison

The former superintendent of a Des Moines school district was sentenced to two years in prison recently following an arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in September 2025.

Ian Roberts, who led Iowa’s largest school district after being appointed in 2023, faced allegations that he was aware of his lack of employment authorization during most of his two-decade career in education, according to reports from the Associated Press.

There were also claims that he used a counterfeit Social Security card when he was hired. Roberts, originally from Guyana, reportedly attempted to evade ICE agents while driving a vehicle issued by the school district, fleeing the scene. Authorities later found his abandoned car in a wooded area, containing about $3,000 in cash.

In addition, there was a loaded handgun discovered in the vehicle, as noted by the Des Moines Register.

Initially, Roberts pleaded not guilty to charges of illegally possessing a firearm and providing false information for employment. However, he changed his plea to guilty for both counts in January.

During a sentencing hearing that lasted nearly 30 minutes, Roberts expressed remorse, stating that his dedication to education was “no excuse” for his actions. He described it as a “bad choice” and an ethical lapse, mentioning a letter from a student that caused him to reflect on his decisions.

His attorney requested that Roberts be placed on probation before facing deportation, but prosecutors argued that potential deportation shouldn’t play a role in the sentencing. They suggested a three-year prison term instead.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger emphasized that Roberts had lied to gain “incredible credibility,” highlighting that this was not an isolated incident and ruling that probation wasn’t sufficient punishment.

In light of Roberts’ arrest, Des Moines Public Schools conducted an investigation into the hiring process, affirming that their methods were systematic and data-driven to ensure candidates aligned with district priorities.

The Daily Caller sought a response from DMPS regarding Roberts’ sentencing but did not receive a reply in time for publication.

Cooper Smith, of the America First Policy Institute, criticized those who exploit the system, noting that illegal immigrants have managed to falsely claim U.S. citizenship, secure key roles in public schools, and unlawfully possess firearms. He called for action against such fraud, expressing gratitude for steps taken by the Trump administration in this regard.