By Stabroek News

Copyright stabroeknews

Despite Ian Andre Roberts, a Guyana national and superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools – the largest public school district in Iowa, United States– being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for being in the country illegally and without a work authorisation, hundreds of people have gathered on the streets calling for his release.

People were talking about the work that he has done and how grateful they were, which is why they were shocked and upset that he was detained, KCCI (Channel 8), based in Des Moines, reported. Chants of “Free Dr. Roberts” and “No justice, no change” could be heard during the protests, according to the news agency.

Teacher at Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), Mary Paclamair said in an interview during the protest: “I just really think it’s important we take care of one another and we seem to be at a spot where that is not happening.”

NBC said Roberts has headed the district since July 2023, and described him as a “career educator” with more than two decades of experience as a teacher, administrator and executive leader who previously served as superintendent in two districts in Pennsylvania and Missouri.

Roberts worked as superintendent in Iowa despite not having legal status and despite having a “final order of removal and no work authorization,” an ICE news release said, adding that he entered the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa and was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024.

Governor of Iowa Kim Reynolds yesterday issued a statement in which she said that Roberts’ arrest was shocking, particularly his attempt to evade authorities, and the loaded gun, knife and large sum of cash found in his

vehicle. (At the time of his arrest he was found in possession of a loaded handgun, US$3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife).

“I want to be clear…those who believe immigration laws are optional are dangerously wrong. When laws are ignored, or when people are led to believe there will be no consequences, our communities are at risk. Iowans won’t stand for that. We must enforce the law, every time, to protect our families and our future,” she said.

Following a press conference by DMPS last Friday, streamed on Facebook, parents and other concerned individuals shared their thoughts. One commentator said: “Did DMPS do a background check? Or did they ‘assume’ since he held a position in another school district before being hired, they had done a background check?”

Another said: “I have met Dr. Roberts in several community situations. His integrity, values, and love for our community especially children is exemplary. He is a positive light in our public school system. Please stop throwing stones. I carry a hori hori garden knife in my car often as I take care of flowering plants at my husband’s grave. I have carried $3,000 in my car as I have prepared for a vacation, prepared to buy a used car, or purchased an item for my home on Craig’s list. I do not carry a gun, concealed or otherwise, but I could skip the facts and jump to the conclusion that many of you who have not waited for the facts might carry a weapon. Please wait for all the facts to be released from all sides.”

“We the parents of Des Moines Public School children support your eventual return as Superintendent, Dr. Roberts,” another comment read.

Roberts earned his bachelor’s from Coppin State University, master’s degrees from St. John’s University and Georgetown University, and received his doctorate in urban educational leadership from Trident University. He also has several education certificates, including one from Harvard University, his biography said. Separately, he was an Olympian, competing in track and field at the 2000 Games in Sydney, and in the World Championships in Maebashi, Japan and Seville, Spain, according to the website.

He attended Charlestown Government Secondary School in Guyana.