Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Iowa's largest school district who was living illegally in the United States, released a book while in federal custody awaiting sentencing. The book, titled 'Unshakable: How Bold Leaders Win Hearts, Inspire Minds, and Obtain Results During Crisis,' came out on Monday. Roberts, a Guyanese national, pleaded guilty in January to making false statements about his immigration status and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Roberts in September after discovering he had an active deportation order. Authorities found him attempting to flee with a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed-blade hunting knife, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Federal officials said Roberts falsely claimed U.S. citizenship when applying for the Des Moines Public Schools superintendent role in June 2023, despite his work permit expiring in December 2020 and a judge ordering his deportation in absentia after he skipped an immigration hearing. Roberts entered the U.S. as a tourist in 1994 and later obtained a student visa, but his four green card applications were denied. He faced multiple prior charges, including narcotics possession in New York in 1996, weapons charges in 2020 and 2022, and a reckless driving conviction in Maryland in 2012. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) criticized the book release on April 30, 2026, calling it 'insane' and accusing Roberts of 'trying to profit' from his situation. Hinson posted on X: 'What on earth?? The illegal immigrant & ICE fugitive who led Iowa’s largest school district is now trying to profit from it? You can’t make this up. Insane.' Roberts remains in custody awaiting sentencing on the federal charges.
