DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowans gathered outside of the Neal Smith Federal Building Friday afternoon to protest the arrest of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Early Friday afternoon, DMPS announced that Roberts had been detained by ICE agents in Des Moines. According to Homeland Security, Roberts fled from officers when they tried to stop him during a targeted enforcement operation but was later apprehended. Officials say that a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife were found in his vehicle, which he had abandoned while allegedly trying to flee.

Homeland Security said that Roberts was taken into custody for allegedly having overstayed a student visa that was granted in 1999 and ignoring a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May of 2024. Authorities also say that Roberts had no work authorization.

At around 4 p.m. Friday evening, dozens of people began gathering outside the federal building to protest ICE and/or show support for Roberts.