North Dakota official faces recall threat for refugee claims

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Supporters of refugee resettlement in North Dakota's largest city are trying to recall a city commissioner who says Fargo spends too much on the program and speculated that immigration has led to increased crime.

Dave Piepkorn (PEP'-korn) says he has many backers, but his words have upset people in the immigrant community already worried about President Donald Trump's focus on blocking and deporting more refugees.

Piepkorn has vowed to uncover "every penny" spent on refugee resettlement, which he suspects costs Fargo millions of dollars.

A representative for the agency that runs the program says the city spent just $500 on the program last year.

The state has resettled an average of 450 refugees per year in the past decade, mostly in the Fargo area.