Ian Roberts, former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools Iowa Recommended sentence of three years in prison for impersonating U.S. citizenship for more than 15 years, and additional charges related to possession of a firearm.
Roberts, 55, of Guyana. His arrest last September sparked outrage over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. On Monday, May 25, the sentencing memorandum against Roberts was unsealed, reigniting the entire debate surrounding immigration enforcement.
Prosecutors filed the memo on Monday ahead of Ian Roberts’ immigration sentencing on Friday, May 29. Prosecutors recommended that Ian Roberts be sentenced to 37 months in prison for falsifying citizenship and possessing a firearm, followed by deportation.
In this article, we take a look at Ian Roberts, his rise in the Des Moines school system, and the allegations against him.
Who is Ian Roberts? 5 things to know
1. Former Olympic track and field athlete
Elan Roberts is a former track and field athlete who represented Guyana at the 2000 Olympic Games. His personal best in the 800m category is 1:46.85 in 2000 summer olympics exist SydneyAustralia.
2. May 2024 ICE Deportation Orders and Detentions
It is unclear when Ian Roberts entered the United States. He has worked for more than 15 years in various school districts, including in Des Moines, Iowa.
All was well with the 55-year-old until September 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement It said an eviction order had been issued to Roberts as early as May 2024. Because he was in ICE custody, the school said they were unaware of the Department of Homeland Security deportation order.
3. School’s response
Des Moines Public Schools said Ian Roberts provided his Social Security card and driver’s license as proof of citizenship and authorization to work in the United States. Later, school authorities confirmed that they had received a copy of the deportation order.
He was initially placed on administrative leave. But soon, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked Robert’s license.
4. Pleaded guilty to forging immigration and work permits
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa confirmed that in January, Ian Roberts pleaded guilty to a felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
5. Additional charges and prior arrests
The gun and drug charges against Ian Roberts stem from his arrest in September 2025. Roberts reportedly drove away when immigration officers approached him. When he was eventually arrested, police found loaded illegal firearms, $3,000 in cash and a hunting knife.
