“Worst of the worst” is a lie

The case involving former school superintendent Ian Roberts is regrettable. Yes, he lied on parts of his resume and said things that weren’t true. But at the same time, Roberts was well-regarded by many students, parents and school officials. As Des Moines Register reporter Courtney Crowder wrote: “The fire he kindled in some students marked the first time a person in power believed in their abilities, saw their potential.”

That said, his arrest by ICE agents could've been handled much differently. It seems like it was done as a show of force and power, and to intimidate immigrants and the broader public. Along with some other recent ICE arrests here in Iowa, it reinforced the notion that anything could happen at any time, in any place. That’s not how democracies and the rule of law work.

Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem say they’re going after “the worst of the worst”. That’s a flat-out lie.

Hugh Espey

Des Moines