DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, has been charged in federal court with possessing firearms while in the U.S. illegally, prosecutors announced.
Ian Roberts resigned this week as Des Moines’ superintendent of schools, just days after he was stopped and fled from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. His arrest was aided by officers from the Iowa State Patrol. Upon his arrest, federal agents discovered a handgun wrapped in a towel inside the vehicle he was driving, according to court documents.
Roberts, 54, originally from Guyana, has been in custody since late last Friday. The arrest was made under a federal warrant related to the weapons charge, leading him to appear via video before a federal magistrate judge.
His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that his client intends to plead not guilty, emphasizing that Roberts maintains a presumption of innocence. Parrish added that no indictment has been returned by the grand jury.
According to the complaint, Roberts, who had prior authorization to work in the U.S. until 2020, is alleged to have been found in possession of four firearms. Federal authorities indicated that he has a final removal order issued last year, following which an immigration judge denied a motion to reopen his immigration case.
During his arrest, authorities confirmed that one of the firearms identified was found under the driver’s seat of his school-issued vehicle, believed to have been purchased by Roberts’ wife. The remaining firearms, including a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun, were discovered during a search of his residence, with all being reportedly loaded.
Roberts had previously thought his immigration case was resolved favorably, according to statements made by his attorney, until the recent developments unraveled the truth regarding his status. This news has raised significant concerns within the education community and beyond, highlighting the intersection of immigration policy and local governance.
The situation has sparked discussions around the legal implications of Roberts' case, especially given the sensitive nature of immigration laws in the United States. As Roberts navigates these legal challenges, local citizens await further information regarding the developments of his case.
