DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district has been charged in federal court with possessing firearms while undocumented. Ian Roberts resigned from his post as Des Moines’ educational leader, following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last week. His arrest occurred after he allegedly attempted to flee from the authorities, culminating in a search that uncovered a handgun inside his vehicle.

Court documents reveal Roberts, originally from Guyana, was held in Sioux City and had been living in the United States without lawful employment authorization since 2020. Prosecutors allege that at the time of his arrest, Roberts possessed four firearms, raising serious concerns regarding firearm regulations in relation to undocumented individuals.

Roberts’ attorney, Alfredo Parrish, stated that his client will plead not guilty, maintaining a presumption of innocence. The legal proceedings reveal a deeper issue regarding the communication of immigration statuses; it appears Roberts had mistakenly believed his legal troubles were resolved based on a miscommunication from a former attorney.

As the case unfolds, it highlights the complex intersections of immigration and gun ownership laws in the U.S., prompting discussions on the adequacy of legal counsel and the regulations governing undocumented individuals.