History of Ian Roberts (educator) in Timeline

Ian Andre Roberts is a Guyanese-born individual who has achieved distinction in both athletics and education. As a former Olympic athlete, he represented his country on the world stage. Currently, he serves as a school district superintendent in the United States, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and administration within the education sector. His background and career trajectory highlight a successful transition from sports to education leadership.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

December 18, 1973: Ian Roberts Born

On December 18, 1973, Ian Andre Roberts was born. He would later become the Des Moines Independent Community School District system superintendent and a former Olympic athlete for Guyana.

1994: Started playing soccer at St. Francis College

In 1994, Roberts started playing soccer at St. Francis College in Brooklyn before transferring to Coppin State University.

1999: Competed in NCAA finals

In 1999, Roberts competed in the NCAA finals while at St. John's University.

1999: Competed in World Championships

In 1999, Roberts competed in the World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan, and the World Outdoor Championships in Seville, Spain, but failed to advance past the quarter-finals in either event.

1999: Won gold at Central American and Caribbean Championships

In 1999, Roberts won a gold medal in the 800m at the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Athletics in Bridgetown, Barbados, with a personal best time of 1:46.85.

2000: Competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics

In 2000, Roberts competed in the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in the 800m race where he finished next-to-last in a preliminary heat.

2012: Principal of Anacostia High School

In 2012, Roberts became the principal of Anacostia High School in Washington, DC.

2013: Principal of the Year Award

In 2013, Roberts earned George Washington University’s Washington D.C. Principal of the Year award.

2018: Chief Schools Officer for Aspire Public Schools

From 2018, Roberts served as Chief Schools Officer for Aspire Public Schools.

2020: Superintendent of Millcreek Township School District

In 2020, Roberts became the superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Millcreek Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

July 2023: Superintendent of Des Moines School District

In July 2023, Roberts became the superintendent of the Des Moines Independent Community School District in Des Moines, Iowa.

2023: End of term as superintendent

In 2023, Roberts concluded his service as the superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District.

May 2024: Final order of removal issued

In May 2024, a "final order of removal" was issued for Roberts's deportation, according to ICE.

2024: School district unaware of removal order

In 2024, Roberts's school district stated they had no knowledge of a 2024 order of removal and placed Roberts on paid administrative leave.

September 2025: Detained by ICE agents

In September 2025, Ian Roberts was detained by ICE agents, who alleged he was in the United States unlawfully and termed him a "criminal alien" and a public safety threat. This September 2025 detention spurred protests and media attention.

September 26, 2025: ICE Reported Roberts's Detention

On September 26, 2025, ICE reported that Roberts had been detained in Des Moines, Iowa, and stated that a "final order of removal" had been issued for Roberts's deportation. At the time of his arrest, ICE said that he was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife.