Ian Roberts is a former athlete and school administrator whose life story bridges sports, education, and public controversy. From my perspective, what makes his journey stand out is how he transitioned from representing Guyana at the 2000 Olympic Games to serving as a school system superintendent in Des Moines, dedicating years to education and community leadership.
In 2025, his name unexpectedly entered national and international headlines after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an action tied to a prior removal order. The detention sparked public protests and intense debate, turning Roberts into the centre of a broader conversation about immigration, public service, and due process.
This article will explore his early life, athletic career, professional work in education, family background, and the events that brought him renewed public attention.
Wife, Kids & Parents
As per the reports, he is married now. His wife’s name is not publicly available. In an interview, he said that he has four dogs. There are no updates about his kids.
He was born to his immigrant parents from Guyana in South America. His father’s name is Mr. Roberts, and his mother’s name is Mrs. Roberts.
Net Worth, Ethnicity & Religion
According to the reports, his current net worth is approximately $1 to $5 million from all of his income sources as of 2025. He has an American Black Ethnicity. His religious faith is not updated yet.
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Early Life & Educational Details
He was born on 18 December 1973 in Guyana. He is 51 years old as of 2024. Dr. Roberts says he was born to parents from Guyana and grew up mostly in Brooklyn, NY.
He earned a B.S. from Coppin State University, master’s degrees from St. John’s University and Georgetown University, and a doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from Trident University. (source)
He’s also completed education certificates, including one from Harvard on school leadership. Before working as a special education teacher, principal, district leader, and leadership trainer, he was an elite athlete.
He competed in track and field at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and at World Championships in Japan and Spain.
Career Details
He served as the High School Network superintendent for St. Louis Public Schools, according to a Des Moines schools news release.
In August 2020, Roberts started working as the superintendent of Millcreek Township School District, which serves the suburbs around Erie, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Roberts became the 15th superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools on July 1, 2023.
He has worked in education in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., the South Bronx, and other places across the U.S. While in D.C., he was honored as George Washington University’s 2013 Principal of the Year.
On September 26, 2025, ICE said Roberts was arrested in Des Moines, Iowa. They reported that a final deportation order had been issued for him in May 2024.
Roberts allegedly ran from a traffic stop and left his school-issued vehicle behind.
Athletics
He is a male middle-distance runner from Guyana, focused on the 800m race.
He competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and won his first international medal, a gold in the 800m, at the 1999 Central American and Caribbean Championships in Barbados.
After winning conference titles in two Division 1 conferences, Roberts competed internationally.
He ran at the 1999 World Indoor Championships in Japan and the 1999 World Outdoor Championships in Spain, but didn’t make it past the quarter-finals in the outdoor event.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ian Andre Roberts
Who is Ian Andre Roberts?
Ian Andre Roberts is a retired athlete and former school administrator. He represented Guyana as an athlete and later served as system superintendent for the Des Moines Independent Community School District in Iowa.
When did Ian Roberts compete in the Olympics?
Roberts competed for Guyana in the 2000 Summer Olympics, representing his country in athletics during those Games.
What did Ian Roberts do in his professional career?
After his athletic career, Roberts turned to education and served in leadership roles, eventually becoming the system superintendent for the Des Moines public schools, where he oversaw administrative and educational programs.
Why was Ian Roberts detained in 2025?
In 2025, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained him based on a removal order issued in 2024. The Department of Homeland Security described him as a “criminal alien” and a public safety threat, though the case drew significant public concern and scrutiny.
Did Roberts’ detention spark a reaction?
Yes. His detention led to protests outside the federal courthouse in Des Moines, drawing national and international media attention and raising questions about immigration policy and due process.
