DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, was charged Thursday in federal court with possessing firearms while in the U.S. illegally, prosecutors said.
Ian Roberts resigned this week as Des Moines’ superintendent of schools, just days after he was pulled over and fled from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who ultimately arrested him with the help of officers from the Iowa State Patrol. When he was arrested, federal agents found firearms in his possession, including a handgun wrapped in a towel inside the vehicle he was driving.
Roberts, who is originally from Guyana, was jailed in Sioux City since Friday afternoon, where he appeared via video before a federal magistrate judge on the weapons charge. His attorney has stated that Roberts intends to plead not guilty, emphasizing his presumption of innocence.
Roberts is alleged to have been in possession of four firearms, including a gun thought to have been purchased by his wife. Federal documents indicate that he was previously authorized to work in the U.S. but has since lost that legal status.
Moreover, Roberts is said to have a final removal order dating back to last year, with an immigration judge having denied a motion to reopen his immigration case. His legal representation claimed that Roberts was under the impression from a prior attorney that the case had been resolved.
The case continues to unfold, raising significant implications regarding immigration status and legal representation for individuals in similar situations.
