Iowa educator at center of ICE arrest controversy was once an HBCU Olympic athlete

The Des Moines Public Faculties superintendent, taken into custody by U.S. immigration officers, had HBCU athletic ties.

Ian Andre Roberts was arrested by ICE on Friday on an accusation of being within the nation illegally regardless of dwelling and dealing in America for greater than 30 years, in accordance with numerous stories.

Roberts, a local of Guyana and Coppin State’s first Olympic athlete, graduated from the HBCU in 1998 earlier than launching a distinguished profession in schooling.

He competed within the 2000 Sydney Olympic Video games in monitor and subject for Guyana as a mid-distance runner. He ran within the fourth warmth of the 800-meter race with a time of 1.52.32. He positioned seventh in his warmth, in accordance with Olympedia.

He beforehand served as principal in Baltimore Metropolis Faculties, together with because the founding principal of the Friendship Academy of Science and Know-how, and held management roles in Washington, D.C., colleges.

ICE officers cited a earlier weapons cost and reported Roberts was discovered with a loaded firearm after fleeing police. A closing order of removing was issued by a choose in 2024.

Roberts’ arrest has sparked protests in Iowa and deep concern amongst faculty officers.

“What we do know is Dr. Roberts has been an integral a part of our college neighborhood since he joined greater than two years in the past,” mentioned Jackie Norris, chair of the Des Moines faculty board, throughout a press convention Friday.

Interim superintendent Matt Smith echoed the distraught temper of the college neighborhood, stating, “We stand agency with our neighborhood. Lots of whom are feeling unhappy, outraged, and helpless. We perceive, as we too are devastated by the information of his detainment.”

Roberts, whose inspirational management made him a task mannequin for a lot of, stays in ICE custody together with his future unsure.