Des Moines Public School Superintendent detained by ICE

No one seems to know why.

https://www.kcrg.com/2025/09/26/des-moines-public-schools-superintendent-detained-by-ice/

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - The Des Moines Public School District is quickly putting an interim superintendent in place, after they say ICE agents detained the current Superintendent.

In a statement from the district, they say Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents detained Dr. Ian Roberts Friday morning. They say they do not know why this happened, or what the next potential steps are for him.

They did say they pursued their “Board-approved DMPS leadership succession plan.”

The statement said “Matt Smith, Associate Superintendent, will immediately step into the role of Interim Superintendent until further notice... Our priority is to provide a safe, secure and outstanding education for all students and to support our students, families, and employees. The appointment of Mr. Smith as Interim Superintendent ensures that our District continues to operate at the highest level.”