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Editor's note: The Des Moines Board of Education held a special meeting Tuesday, Sept. 30, during which they voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts.U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is seeking answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on questions related to the Sept. 26 arrest of Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools.He wrote to DHS Secretary Krisi Noem: "I am deeply troubled after learning that Ian Andre Roberts ... is allegedly an illegal immigrant with a criminal history."He requested answers to the following questions no later than Friday, Oct. 3:Can DHS provide further details about Mr. Roberts, including his complete criminal and immigration history?Does DHS know what work authorization documents, if any, Mr. Roberts provided to Des Moines Public Schools?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? Grassley is seeking information on the processes by DHS and ICE for I-9 work authorizations and questioning ICE's role in work authorizing for the district, Iowa's largest. Roberts started with the district in July 2023. Immigration officials said he is unlawfully in the U.S. and is not authorized to work in the country. WATCH: Ian Roberts submits resignation as Des Moines Public Schools superintendent; attorney requests immigration case to be reopenedRead Grassley's full letter to Kristi NoemSeptember 30, 2025The Honorable Kristi NoemSecretaryU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528Dear Secretary Noem:I am deeply troubled after learning that Ian Andre Roberts, who until his arrest had been superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, is allegedly an illegal immigrant with a criminal history. According to public reporting, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken Mr. Roberts into custody. An ICE press release, dated September 26, 2025, states that Mr. Roberts:is “a criminal illegal alien from Guyana” who “has existing weapon possession charges” and who “was given a final order of removal by an immigration judge;”was working as the Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools despite having “no work authorization;”fled from immigration authorities and local police, before ultimately abandoning his vehicle in a wooded area; andwas unlawfully in possession of a “loaded handgun” at the time of his arrest, as well as “$3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife.”Parents in the Des Moines area are understandably concerned about this situation. I am writing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on their behalf to seek more information about Mr. Roberts’ case. Please provide answers to the following questions:Can DHS provide further details about Mr. Roberts, including his complete criminal and immigration history?Does DHS know what work authorization documents, if any, Mr. Roberts provided to Des Moines Public Schools?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?Given this highly concerning situation, please provide a response to these questions as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, October 3, 2025. Thank you for your prompt attention to this time-sensitive matter.Sincerely,Charles E. GrassleyUnited States SenatorChairman, Senate Judiciary CommitteeWATCH: Justice Department launches investigation into Des Moines Public Schools' employment practicesWATCH: Des Moines Board of Education votes to accept resignation of Superintendent Ian RobertsWATCH: DMPS Vice Chair Skylar Mayberry-Mayes' statement after voting to accept resignation of Superintendent Ian RobertsWATCH: DMPS Board Chair Jackie Norris reads statement before board's vote to accept resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts