Hawkeye Reporter

Senator Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, has reached out to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem with questions following the arrest of Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. Grassley is seeking information on Roberts’ criminal and immigration background and has also raised concerns about how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reviews work authorizations.

In his letter, Grassley noted public reports that ICE had taken Roberts into custody. According to an ICE press release from September 26, 2025, Roberts is described as “a criminal illegal alien from Guyana” with existing weapon possession charges and a final order of removal by an immigration judge. The release states that Roberts was working as superintendent without work authorization, fled from authorities before abandoning his vehicle in a wooded area, and was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife at the time of his arrest.

Grassley addressed parents' concerns in Des Moines over the situation. In his correspondence to DHS Secretary Noem, he requested detailed information regarding Roberts’ full criminal and immigration history. He also asked what work authorization documents, if any, Roberts provided to Des Moines Public Schools.

Grassley’s letter included additional questions for DHS: "Can you provide a general overview of how ICE typically conducts a 'Form I-9 Inspection/Audit' of employers? In the last six years, has ICE conducted a 'Form I-9 Inspection/Audit' at Des Moines Public Schools? Does Des Moines Public Schools participate in E-Verify? If not, could the use of E-Verify have prevented Mr. Roberts from obtaining employment given his work authorization status?"

The senator asked for responses by October 3.