Following a formal inquiry and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03), the Department of Justice has confirmed that Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was under a final removal order issued according to the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The Department of Justice’s response to Rep. Nunn’s FOIA request aligns with initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The confirmation raises questions about how Roberts was hired as superintendent for Iowa’s largest school district and how he obtained a firearm while subject to a deportation order.
“It is unacceptable that someone under a final order of deportation and without legal work authorization was allowed to lead Iowa’s largest public school system,” said Rep. Nunn. “Every parent should be able to trust that school leaders are fully vetted, legally employed, and held to the highest standards of accountability. I want to thank our federal agencies for their timely response and commitment to transparency as we work to protect our communities.”
On September 27, Rep. Nunn sent a letter to DHS and ICE seeking information on Roberts’ immigration status, employment eligibility, and previous law enforcement encounters. This followed Roberts’ detention by ICE after he was reportedly found with a loaded handgun, hunting knife, significant cash amount, and attempted to flee officers. On September 29, Rep. Nunn requested an expedited FOIA from the DOJ confirming the removal order used as grounds for Roberts’ arrest.
While federal agencies were limited in what details they could disclose, they did confirm both the existence and legal basis for the removal order that led to ICE’s enforcement action.
“This is not just about one person. It is a system-wide failure that exposed students and staff to unnecessary risk,” said Rep. Nunn. “Local leaders owe parents an explanation, and we need stronger safeguards to ensure that positions of public trust are filled by individuals who are properly vetted and legally authorized to serve.”
A state-level investigation into the matter is ongoing, with continued federal oversight promised by Rep. Nunn.
