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Des Moines Public School School Board (DMPS) Jackie Norris ended her bid for the open Iowa US seat on Thursday after facing backlash for appealing for “sensitivity from the law” to Inatiment Roberts.
Norris, a Democrat who has served as Lady Michelle Obama’s first lady, said that the “good pressure” they wanted for her full attention as a board chair put her under “vicious attack.”
“Those who are real are taking time and oxygen out of the work I set out to do: Take away our children and our families — and the backbone of our communities, their teachers and caregivers,” Norris said in a statement.
Jackie Norris served as Michelle Obama’s White House Counsel. (Pet Pictures)
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Roberts, a former valedictorian of Iowa’s largest state school, has an extensive criminal history and was living and working in the US illegally.
He brought his kingdom to Seppu in September.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said agents found a gun, a hunting knife and $3,000 in cash in his car.
Former public schools district Superintendent Ian Roberts, right, was arrested last month after fleeing immigration officials. (Des Moines Independent Community School District; Polk County Sheriff)
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Federal authorities say Roberts, who was returning to the US from USYANA in 1999 after an arrest and drug conviction, was found guilty in 2012 of reckless driving, unsafe operation and speeding in Maryland.
In 2020, he was charged with second-degree criminal mischief Possession of a weaponAvailability of third weapon credit and four weapon charges.
With multiple visa overstays and facing deportation in 2004 and 2024, he holds active VOTER status and is a registered fraudster in Maryland.
Roberts is charged with being an illegal alien with gun friends, according to authorities.
Authorities said a handgun was found in a car used by Ian Roberts to escape from pursuing ice agents. (ice)
Iowa School Superintendent Arrested by ICE, Faced with Previous Weapons Charge, Allegedly Found with a Loaded Handgun
The Board said that when the Roberts were hired in July 2023, they knew that he did not graduate from Morgan State University, as they wanted him to start over.
It is unclear if they are aware of his illegal immigration status or criminal record.
Norris’ opponent, Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, called for her to resign and drop out of the Senate race, saying she “can’t even sustain low levels of public school recruitment.”
In Norris’s campaign-ending announcement, he said the school board is “broken and bringing accountability — leading to grace, clarity, and resolution.”
“It’s clear that I need to focus on the work at hand: Leading the Board through this change, working to support the passage of the Relimagining Education Bond, and fully participating in the ongoing investigation to find the right answers for our community,” Norris said. “I leave this race with my head held high, and I will continue to serve my community and do everything I can to help Democrats win this seat.”
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The school board did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Norris’ office declined further comment.
FOX News Digital’s Stephanie Samsels and Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
