Lawmakers question Des Moines school officials on Roberts’ hiring, cooperation with ICE

By: Robin Opsahl

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: February 5, 2026

Words: 1,122

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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House Education Committee members questioned Des Moines Public School officials Wednesday about the hiring of former Superintendent Ian Roberts in light of his immigration arrest.

Republican lawmakers also asked the district officials about their plans to improve citizenship verification measures — and if they plan to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts in the future.

DMPS School Board Chair Kim Martorano and interim Superintendent Matt Smith agreed to answer questions from the committee Wednesday to …

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