Illegal Immigrant Ex-School Official Accused Of ‘Trying To Profit’ Behind Bars

The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was in the United States illegally, published a book from jail while awaiting sentencing on federal charges.

Ian Roberts, the former head of Des Moines Public Schools, released a book titled “Unshakable: How Bold Leaders Win Hearts, Inspire Minds, and Obtain Results During Crisis” on Monday while in custody.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Roberts, a Guyanese national, in September. Authorities said he had an active deportation order and was living in the United States illegally at the time of his arrest.

Roberts attempted to flee from the federal agents and was found with a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife, the Department of Homeland Security said at the time.

Roberts pleaded guilty in January to federal charges of making false statements about his immigration status and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) called Roberts’ book release “insane,” saying he’s “trying to profit” from his situation.

Roberts came to the United States as a tourist in 1994, then obtained a student visa five years later, according to DHS. He applied for a green card on four separate occasions and was denied each time.

Roberts was charged in 1996 with criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell, criminal possession of narcotics, criminal possession of a forgery device, and possession of a forged instrument in New York, according to DHS. Two years later, he was charged with third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle in Queens, New York, which was later dismissed.

What on earth?? The illegal immigrant & ICE fugitive who led Iowa’s largest school district is now trying to profit from it?

You can’t make this up. Insane. pic.twitter.com/tDgbGsVEAY

— Ashley Hinson (@hinsonashley) April 30, 2026

Roberts was convicted of reckless driving, unsafe operation, and speeding in Maryland on November 1, 2012. In 2020, he was hit with charges for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (having a loaded firearm outside his home or business); third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (an ammunition feeding device); and fourth-degree weapons charges, according to DHS.

His work permit expired on December 18, 2020, roughly three years before he was hired to lead Des Moines Public Schools. He never showed up to his immigration hearing and a judge ordered his deportation in his absence.

Roberts was convicted of unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in Pennsylvania in 2022.

Federal officials say Roberts falsely claimed to be a United States citizen when applying for the superintendent role in June 2023.