There was a protest outside of the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center on Saturday, in support of Des Moines schools Superintendent Ian Roberts, who was jailed after federal authorities say he is in the country illegally.
Roberts was detained Friday by federal immigration officials, as the Iowa Department of Public Safety received a mutual aid request to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to locate Roberts after he fled a traffic stop initiated by ICE agents.
There were initial protests in Des Moines when the superintendent was arrested, then more after he was taken to the jail in Sioux City on Friday evening.
Armed law enforcement officials were seen on the roof of the jail during the protest, where about 30 people gathered. Barricades were set up in front of the LEC, and the protesters chanted, "No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here."
Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan did not respond to a Siouxland Public Media News inquiry by midafternoon Monday.
Roberts has led Iowa’s largest school district since 2023. On Saturday during a special meeting the Des Moines Public Schools Board unanimously voted to put Roberts on paid administrative leave.
The school district also posted a statement on their website Saturday stating an FBI criminal background check did not raise concerns. The district added they did not have any knowledge of Roberts being issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024 or information about the order.
In a statement Governor Kim Reynolds said Roberts’ arrest was shocking, particularly his attempt to evade authorities. Reynolds also mentioned that the investigation of Roberts is ongoing and she wouldn’t comment on details of the case.
On Sunday the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP said, “we urge caution against rushing to conclusions and continue calling for transparency and full due process.”
ICE officials say Roberts is in the U.S. without legal status and has weapon possession charges from 2020. The charge is related to a hunting rifle which he disclosed to the school board during his hiring process.
