Iowa school superintendent resigns after ICE arrest rocks Des Moines district
Share this @internewscast.com

The Iowa school superintendent, recently detained by federal immigration officials, has decided to resign from his position leading the state’s largest school district, according to his legal representatives on Tuesday.

Ian Roberts plans to submit a resignation letter to the Des Moines Public Schools board, as stated by his lawyers during a press briefing. They also mentioned that a motion to revisit his immigration case would be submitted on Tuesday.

“Today, we’ll be sending a letter from Dr. Roberts to the school board announcing his resignation,” shared Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, during the briefing. “As we navigate through this process, we are committed to exploring all options. That remains our top priority as his legal advocates.”

Ian Roberts and an image of a handgun

Authorities said a handgun was found in a vehicle used by Ian Roberts to flee pursuing ICE agents.  (ICE)

The school board is scheduled to convene Tuesday evening to deliberate on the potential termination or acceptance of Roberts’ resignation, as confirmed by Phil Roeder, the district’s director of communications and public affairs, to Fox News Digital.

“A resignation for someone under contract does not take effect until the board gives its approval,” he said in a statement.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also revealed on Tuesday the initiation of an investigation into DMPS’s employment practices to examine if the district exhibits discrimination against job applicants concerning their ethnicity, race, or nationality.

“Programs focused on diversity and race-based hiring in our schools contravene federal anti-discrimination statutes and compromise educational objectives,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. “School districts must discontinue these illegal initiatives and reinstate merit-based employment systems to serve both student and staff interests.”

The DOJ cited the DMPS website, which states that the district requires its teaching and learning staff to match the student population in terms of “demographics and cultural responsivity.” 

“DMPS also set specific quotas for ‘increas[ing] the number of teachers of color’ in an affirmative action plan, the DOJ said. “Its staff retention strategy prioritizes ‘lift[ing] up voices of our People of Color’ and ‘creat[ing] a safer environment for People of Color.’ 

DMPS also operates the “3D Coalition” project, a recruitment and hiring program for “aspiring minority teachers,” it said. 

At Tuesday’s news conference, Parrish said Roberts has been a “tremendous asset” to the community and his students.

“His spirits are high,” Parrish said.

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who represents the Des Moines area, released a redacted excerpt of Roberts’ May 2024 removal order, which he obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

The document said Roberts failed to show up to a removal hearing. Nunn also questioned how Roberts was hired in the first place, given his legal status.

“It is unacceptable that someone under a final order of deportation and without legal work authorization was allowed to lead Iowa’s largest public school system,” he said. “Every parent should be able to trust that school leaders are fully vetted, legally employed and held to the highest standards of accountability.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…
Dad finds 13-year-old son dead after 200-foot fall from bluff inside popular National Park site

Tragic National Park Accident: Father Discovers Son’s Fatal 200-Foot Fall

In a heart-wrenching incident in Arkansas over the weekend, a father discovered…
Howard University professor calls on White political allies to emulate vigilante mass murderer

Howard University Professor Urges White Allies to Reflect on Controversial Vigilante Actions

A professor from Howard University known for her far-left views has stirred…
Wyoming Capitol bomb investigators focus on men seen in security video

Investigators Zero In on Individuals Captured in Security Footage in Wyoming Capitol Bomb Probe

Investigators in Wyoming are on the hunt for two individuals suspected of…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
Kyoto hikes tourist tax by 900% amid overtourism surge

Kyoto Implements 900% Increase in Tourist Tax in Response to Overtourism Surge

Kyoto is set to significantly increase its accommodation fees starting March 2026,…
Fernandina Beach family pushes for intersection safety after multiple crashes

Fernandina Beach Residents Demand Urgent Intersection Safety Measures Following Frequent Accidents

A family in Fernandina Beach is calling for crucial safety enhancements at…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
Jack Nicklaus wins $50 million in defamation suit vs. ex-business partners

Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Triumphs in $50 Million Defamation Case Against Former Partners

Miami — Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has emerged victorious in a defamation…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…