Nunn Secures Confirmation of Deportation Order for Des Moines Superintendent

DES MOINES, IA - Following a formal inquiry and an official Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03), the Department of Justice (DOJ) has now confirmed that Ian Roberts, the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, was subject to a final removal order issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The DOJ's official response to Rep. Nunn's FOIA request confirms initial reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while also raising serious new concerns. Specifically, how Roberts was hired as the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district and how he was able to obtain a firearm despite being under a final deportation order.

"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," said Rep. Nunn . "Every parent should be able to trust that school leaders are fully vetted, legally employed, and held to the highest standards of accountability. I want to thank our federal agencies for their timely response and commitment to transparency as we work to protect our communities."

On September 27, Rep. Nunn sent a letter to DHS and ICE requesting clarity on Roberts' immigration status, employment eligibility, and prior encounters with law enforcement. The request came after Roberts was detained by ICE and reportedly found in possession of a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and a large sum of cash, and attempted to flee when approached by officers. On September 29, Rep. Nunn requested an expedited Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from the DOJ to confirm Mr. Roberts' final removal order that ICE used as a basis for his arrest.

Although the agencies were legally limited in what details could be shared, they confirmed the existence and legal basis of the removal order that triggered ICE's enforcement action.

"This is not just about one person. It is a system-wide failure that exposed students and staff to unnecessary risk," said Rep. Nunn . "Local leaders owe parents an explanation, and we need stronger safeguards to ensure that positions of public trust are filled by individuals who are properly vetted and legally authorized to serve."

A state-level investigation is underway, and Rep. Nunn remains committed to continued federal oversight to ensure full transparency.

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