Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, has contacted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to request more information about the criminal and immigration background of Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. This follows Roberts’ recent arrest and detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In his letter to Secretary Noem, Grassley cited reports indicating that Roberts is “a criminal illegal alien from Guyana” with existing weapon possession charges and a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge. According to ICE, Roberts was working as superintendent without work authorization, fled from authorities before abandoning his vehicle in a wooded area, and was found with a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife at the time of his arrest.

Grassley noted concerns among Des Moines parents regarding this situation. He requested DHS provide additional details on Roberts’ full criminal and immigration history. The senator also asked what work authorization documents Roberts provided to Des Moines Public Schools and sought clarification on how ICE conducts Form I-9 inspections or audits for employers.

Further questions included whether ICE had conducted such inspections at Des Moines Public Schools in the past six years and if the school district participates in E-Verify. Grassley questioned whether using E-Verify could have prevented Roberts from being hired given his work authorization status.

“Given this highly concerning situation, please provide a response to these questions as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, October 3, 2025. Thank you for your prompt attention to this time-sensitive matter,” Grassley wrote.