Des Moines Hires Illegal Immigrant With Fake Doctorate Who Registered to Vote Illegally in Maryland

Ian Andre Roberts, originally from Guyana, has been at the center of a controversy involving his immigration status and employment in the U.S.

“The article highlights that there are many unknowns and uncertainties surrounding the topic discussed”

Straight Arrow News - SAN

Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and managed to stay by switching academic programs, eventually becoming an Olympic athlete for Coppin State University.

Straight Arrow News - SAN

However, his immigration status came under scrutiny when it was revealed that he was registered to vote in Maryland, despite being an unauthorized immigrant.

Maryland state Delegate Lauren Arikan criticized Democratic leaders for allowing such registrations, arguing that the state's policy of issuing non-federally compliant driver's licenses to unauthorized immigrants facilitates voter registration without proper verification.

Maryland election officials, however, stated that unintentional registration by ineligible individuals is not a crime under state law and emphasized the protection of voter information.

Roberts's employment as the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools has been questioned.

His administrative license was revoked after Homeland Security informed the district of his unauthorized work status.

Augusta Free Press

This followed a 2024 immigration judge’s removal order.

Despite claiming U.S. citizenship on official forms, investigations revealed his illegal status.

As a result, he was placed on unpaid leave.

The Des Moines School Board is reviewing its hiring processes.

The situation has sparked mixed reactions within the community.

It highlights tensions around immigration enforcement and school leadership.

The case of Ian Andre Roberts has raised questions about the effectiveness of background checks and the verification of immigration status in employment.

“Ian Andre Roberts, the Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent, was recently arrested due to a standing deportation order”

Washington Examiner

Former immigration judge Art Arthur noted that employers often rely on documents like Social Security cards, which can be easily faked, making them vulnerable to hiring unauthorized workers.

This issue is compounded by the fact that Roberts was able to claim U.S. citizenship on official forms without detection.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by institutions in verifying the legal status of employees and the potential for systemic failures in immigration enforcement.

The legal challenges facing Roberts are further complicated by his criminal record.

He was arrested with a loaded firearm and cash in his vehicle, raising legal concerns given federal laws prohibiting firearm possession by unauthorized immigrants.

Associated Press

Roberts has a prior weapons charge from 2020, and the ATF is investigating how he obtained the firearm.

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has requested ICE records due to concerns over these charges.

The case highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement and criminal law, with potential implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.