The arrest of Guyana-born, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement for allegedly being in the United States illegally, triggered protests by scores of residents and supporters in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday.

Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed the arrest of Roberts on Friday, Sept. 26.

The official said a Court had issued a “final order of removal” in May 2024 for the deportation of the Guyana native and longtime U.S. resident.

According to the official, Roberts abandoned his car and fled from police on Friday, and was allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a large amount of cash and a hunting knife. He was arrested in what DHS described as a “targeted enforcement operation.”

At a news conference, School Board Chair Jackie Norris said the district was still working to learn more about what happened.

“We do not have all the facts. There is much we do not know,” she said. “However, what we do know is Dr. Roberts has been an integral part of our school community since he joined two years ago.”

Roberts has been living in the United States since 1999 and represented Guyana at the 2000 Olympics before furthering his education in the US and beginning a career as an educator. He landed the job as Public Schools Superintendent in Des Moines, Iowa in 2023 and has been praised for his leadership of the public school system there. He has been enjoying the support of parents and teachers in the district.

His arrest comes as the US has been cracking down on illegal immigration and on persons who may have overstayed their time in the United States. The US officials have stated that Dr. Roberts first arrived in the US on a students’ visa.

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