US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently detained Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), Iowa’s largest school district. The news broke on Friday, and DMPS board chair Jackie Norris expressed concern, stating that there was no clear information on the reasons behind the detainment or next steps.
Roberts is currently at the Pottawattamie County jail, located about two hours west of Des Moines. His background is noteworthy; he was born in Guyana and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. In 2023, Roberts made history as the first person of color to become superintendent in Iowa’s largest school district. Before his role in education, he was an Olympic athlete, representing Guyana as a middle-distance runner in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Earlier in his tenure, Roberts took steps to guide families in the community concerning ICE operations. After the Trump administration lifted restrictions on ICE’s ability to conduct searches in sensitive areas like schools, he assured parents that schools would work with law enforcement. He emphasized their commitment to supporting students while adhering to legal protocols.
This incident has raised questions in the community, especially given the broader context of immigration policies and their impact on schools. According to recent surveys, nearly 80% of educators report feeling uneasy about potential ICE actions in or around schools, which could affect student attendance and learning.
While the DMPS community awaits updates, there’s a growing conversation around the intersection of education and immigration, prompting discussions on how policies can impact students’ lives. As this case unfolds, the district remains committed to transparency and support for its families.
For ongoing updates on immigration policies and their implications for education, you can refer to trusted news sources like The Guardian.
