Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested by Immigration Customs Enforcement Friday morning, according to a district email.
A message from Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris said Associate Superintendent Matt Smith will serve as interim superintendent until further notice.
“This action follows Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this morning. We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps,” the release states.
Roberts has served as Des Moines Public Schools superintendent since July 2023. Smith previously served as interim superintendent during the 2022-23 school year.
Ian Roberts speaks with the media after being named the new DMPS superintendent during a Des Moines Public Schools board meeting at Central Campus on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Des Moines.
Read the entire letter to the Des Moines schools community
“On behalf of the Board of the Des Moines Public Schools, I wish to share information of immediate importance to the DMPS community.
Pursuant to the Board-approved DMPS leadership succession plan, Matt Smith, Associate Superintendent, will immediately step into the role of Interim Superintendent until further notice. This action follows Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents this morning. We have no confirmed information as to why Dr. Roberts is being detained or the next potential steps.
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.
Mr. Smith previously served DMPS as Interim Superintendent during the 2022-2023 school year. The Board has the highest confidence in Mr. Smith’s leadership at this time. We know you have many questions, and we will provide updates as we learn more confirmed information. We thank you and appreciate your support.
Jackie Norris, Board President
Des Moines Public Schools”
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: DMPS superintendent arrested by ICE, district says
