U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has helped bring new information to light following a response from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts. The Butler County native and Judiciary Committee Chairman sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on September 30th requesting details about Roberts’ background. Just three days later, DHS confirmed Roberts was in the U.S. illegally and had an extensive criminal history.
Roberts was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on September 26 after fleeing officers. He was found with a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. He now faces federal firearms charges and remains in U.S. Marshal custody. According to DHS, Roberts’ criminal record spans nearly 30 years, including drug charges in New York, reckless driving in Maryland, and multiple weapons violations before being hired by DMPS in 2023. He was ordered deported in 2024, prior to deportation policies implemented under the Trump administration, following multiple failed green card attempts.
Grassley raised concerns about how Roberts was hired without valid work authorization. Des Moines Public Schools say they are pursuing legal action against the search firm that recommended Roberts for the position.
Information gathered from sources including Senator Grassley’s letter to DHS and DHS response linked above.
