Iowa Revokes Superintendent's License Amid ICE Arrest for Alleged Fake Green Card

Des Moines, Iowa – In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through Iowa's educational landscape, Erick M. Pruitt, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has had his administrative license summarily revoked. This decisive action by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners comes just days after Pruitt's arrest by federal agents from U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on serious allegations concerning his employment eligibility.

The controversy erupted on February 13 when Pruitt was taken into custody. Federal prosecutors contend that Pruitt utilized a counterfeit green card to secure his high-profile position within the school district, a claim that has profound implications for both his career and the integrity of the hiring process in public education.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners wasted no time, acting on February 20 to strip him of his ability to serve in an administrative capacity, citing the gravity of the federal charges.

According to court documents, investigators allege that Pruitt obtained the fraudulent permanent resident card from an undisclosed individual, purportedly using it to demonstrate his legal right to work in the United States.

This alleged act of deception allowed him to bypass legitimate immigration procedures and secure employment not only in Des Moines but potentially in his prior leadership roles as well.

The Des Moines Public Schools district reacted swiftly to the unfolding scandal, placing Pruitt on administrative leave immediately following news of his arrest.

Shortly thereafter, Pruitt tendered his resignation, marking an abrupt end to his tenure in the state's largest school district, which began in 2023. His departure leaves a significant void and raises pressing questions about the vetting procedures for top educational leaders.

Pruitt's career trajectory had been impressive prior to these allegations.

He previously served as superintendent in Ankeny, Iowa, from 2020 to 2023, and held leadership positions in the Minneapolis Public Schools system before that. The revelation of federal charges has cast a shadow over his entire professional history, prompting re-examination of his qualifications and the documentation he provided in previous roles.

Released on bond, Pruitt now faces a daunting legal battle.

If convicted on federal charges related to immigration document fraud, he could face severe penalties, including a substantial prison sentence and significant fines. This case underscores the rigorous scrutiny applied to employment documentation, especially for individuals in positions of public trust and influence.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough background checks and document verification, particularly in leadership roles within institutions as vital as public schools.

The Iowa educational community watches closely as this unprecedented case unfolds, grappling with the fallout and the lessons it presents for future administrative appointments.