DES MOINES, CMC, Sep. 27 – Immigration authorities in the USA on Friday arrested a Guyanese burn educator, Dr Ian Andre Roberts, who rose to turn into superintendent of Iowa’s largest public faculty district. Roberts, 48, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over claims he has been dwelling and dealing within the nation illegally.
He was born to Guyanese dad and mom and spent his early years in Brooklyn, New York, earlier than embarking on a distinguished profession in schooling.
A former Olympian who represented Guyana in observe and area on the 2000 Sydney Video games, he went on to earn superior levels from Coppin State College, St John’s College, Georgetown College, and Trident College, with additional research at Harvard.
ICE alleges that Roberts has remained in the USA with out authorized standing since getting into on a pupil visa in 1999. In Might 2024, an immigration decide issued a ultimate order of elimination in opposition to him, which the company says was by no means carried out.
Roberts was arrested after reportedly fleeing an preliminary encounter with ICE brokers the day earlier than. He was later present in possession of a loaded handgun, US$3,000 in money, and a searching knife.
Federal legislation bars undocumented people from possessing firearms, and the matter is now below investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
“This suspect was arrested in possession of a loaded weapon in a car offered by Des Moines Public Faculties after fleeing federal legislation enforcement,” mentioned Sam Olson, director of ICE’s St Paul Area Workplace.
Roberts has served as superintendent of Des Moines Public Faculties since July 2023, following a nationwide search.
The Iowa Board of Academic Examiners granted him a superintendent’s licence, and district officers mentioned he handed third-party background checks and submitted required employment documentation. He had additionally disclosed a previous firearm cost through the hiring course of.
The varsity board mentioned it was unaware of the 2024 elimination order and expressed shock at his detention.
