DES MOINES, Iowa (FlashPoint) — Ian Roberts, the recently resigned superintendent of the largest school district in Iowa, has been charged with federal crimes stemming from his detention by immigration agents. Roberts was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after leading authorities on a brief chase. Upon arrest, agents discovered a handgun concealed in a towel inside the vehicle he was driving.
Roberts, who immigrated from Guyana, has been held in Sioux City, about 150 miles from Des Moines. He faces charges of possessing firearms illegally, as he does not currently hold employment authorization in the U.S. His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that Roberts intends to plead not guilty, emphasizing his presumption of innocence.
The 54-year-old Roberts had previously been authorized to work in the United States but lost that status after 2020. He reportedly believed that his immigration case had been resolved favorably following communication with a former attorney, who later clarified to federal authorities that a misunderstanding had occurred.
Authorities indicated that Roberts possessed a total of four firearms, including weapons found at his home during a subsequent search. The allegations against him underscore the challenges faced by individuals navigating immigration law and the severe implications of legal representation in such cases.
Roberts, who immigrated from Guyana, has been held in Sioux City, about 150 miles from Des Moines. He faces charges of possessing firearms illegally, as he does not currently hold employment authorization in the U.S. His attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that Roberts intends to plead not guilty, emphasizing his presumption of innocence.
The 54-year-old Roberts had previously been authorized to work in the United States but lost that status after 2020. He reportedly believed that his immigration case had been resolved favorably following communication with a former attorney, who later clarified to federal authorities that a misunderstanding had occurred.
Authorities indicated that Roberts possessed a total of four firearms, including weapons found at his home during a subsequent search. The allegations against him underscore the challenges faced by individuals navigating immigration law and the severe implications of legal representation in such cases.
