DOJ Investigates Des Moines Schools Following Superintendent's Arrest

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) following the recent arrest of its superintendent, Ian Roberts, by immigration enforcement agents. This inquiry will examine whether the school district has engaged in discriminatory hiring practices related to race, color, and national origin.

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The investigation was announced shortly after Roberts was apprehended for allegedly remaining in the U.S. without valid work authorization. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Roberts was arrested during a targeted operation on September 29, 2025, after he attempted to evade law enforcement. He was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a knife at the time of his arrest.

In a letter to interim Superintendent Matthew Smith, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the DOJ's inquiry is based on information suggesting that DMPS may be violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The letter specifically references the district's affirmative action plan, which includes goals for increasing the number of teachers of color in certain grades.

"I have authorized a full investigation to determine whether DMPS is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination," Dhillon wrote. The investigation will be led by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Eric Sell.

Roberts, who has been superintendent since 2023, submitted his resignation on October 1, 2025, amid the ongoing scrutiny. His resignation was accepted by the Des Moines Board of Education during a special meeting. Prior to his resignation, Roberts had been placed on unpaid leave, and his state administrator’s license has been revoked.

Critics of the district's hiring practices have pointed to its strategic plan, which emphasizes "Cultivating Equity & Excellence Through High Quality Teaching & Learning." This plan has drawn attention for its focus on hiring based on race, which some argue is unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment and violates a new Iowa law that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley expressed concern over Roberts' immigration status and criminal history, stating, "Parents in the Des Moines area are understandably concerned about this situation." Grassley has requested information from the Department of Homeland Security regarding Roberts' immigration history and the hiring practices of DMPS.

Roberts' attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has claimed that his client believed his immigration status had been resolved. He is seeking a stay of deportation and a reopening of Roberts' case, which has been described as complex and drawn out. Parrish did not address questions regarding Roberts' reported gun violations or how he was hired without valid work authorization.

The DOJ's investigation comes at a time when the Biden administration has been scrutinizing school districts for their DEI initiatives. In 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing perceived radical ideologies in K-12 education, which included a focus on equity initiatives.

As the investigation unfolds, DMPS faces significant scrutiny regarding its employment practices and the implications of Roberts' arrest on the district's reputation and operations.