Des Moines Schools Chief Is Detained and Accused of Living in U.S. Illegally

Des Moines Schools Chief Is Detained and Accused of Living in U.S. Illegally

Des Moines, Iowa September 12, 2025 The superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools was taken into federal custody Friday after immigration agents alleged that he had been living in the United States illegally and had ignored a deportation order issued more than a year ago.

Officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said the superintendent, whose name has not yet been released publicly, fled briefly when approached by agents outside his home but was apprehended without injury. According to ICE, he had been ordered removed in May 2024 after exhausting legal appeals but continued to serve as the district’s top administrator.

Shock in Iowa’s Largest School District

The arrest has stunned Iowa’s capital city, where the superintendent has overseen the state’s largest public school system since 2021. Parents and teachers described him as a visible and engaged leader who regularly visited schools, championed equity initiatives, and helped steer the district through post-pandemic recovery.

“This news is just unbelievable,” said Karen Lopez, a Des Moines parent whose two children attend district schools. “Whatever his status, he has been an incredible leader for our kids.”

The Des Moines School Board convened an emergency meeting Friday evening to discuss interim leadership. In a statement, board members said they were “working to ensure continuity for students and staff” and pledged to cooperate with authorities while “upholding our commitment to the community.”

Federal Officials Defend Action

ICE officials defended the decision, noting that the superintendent had been given multiple opportunities to comply with the removal order. “No individual, regardless of their position or prominence, is above the law,” said a spokesperson. “This arrest reflects our mandate to enforce federal immigration statutes.”

The agency has not indicated when the superintendent might be deported, but immigration attorneys noted that his case will likely move quickly given the prior order.

Political Reactions

The detention immediately entered the political arena in Iowa, where immigration policy has long been a contentious subject. Republican lawmakers praised ICE for “upholding the rule of law,” while Democrats expressed concern about the broader implications for schools and communities.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, issued a brief statement calling the development “deeply concerning” and said her office was monitoring the situation. Local Democratic legislators urged federal officials to consider the superintendent’s contributions to the community and the potential disruption to students.

A Community in Uncertainty

For now, parents, teachers, and students are left with questions. “He’s been such a stabilizing force for the district,” said Marcus Hill, a high school teacher. “Whatever happens next, our kids are going to feel this.”

With the new school year just underway, district leaders face the dual challenge of maintaining stability and navigating the fallout of a leadership crisis tied to one of the most polarizing issues in American politics.