Former U.S. Attorney says ICE tactics designed to ‘create chaos, instill fear’

FARGO (KVRR) – A former federal prosecutor who spent years enforcing U.S. Immigration laws says the confrontations involving ICE officials in Minneapolis and elsewhere are nothing like he’s ever seen before.

“They have nothing in common with the law enforcement agencies that I had experience with 15 years ago, dedicated professionals who followed the law,” said former North Dakota U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon in an exclusive interview with KVRR Local News.

Purdon is no stranger to immigration issues. He once worked closely with the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE during his tenure as the North Dakota’s chief federal prosecutor.

Purdon says some of the best-trained officers he knows worked for the Border Patrol, but now he says, the federal government’s mission to enforce immigration laws appears to have changed.

“What we’re seeing now is, in my opinion, an effort to sow division, create chaos, instill fear in certain populations of our neighbors.”

And Purdon suggests that the fallout from what’s going on in America right now could take years to repair…

“I have tremendous respect, built over a 30-year career for federal law enforcement, federal prosecutors. to see some of these actions erode that good will that’s been built up over decades is heartbreaking for those of us who care about the Department of Justice.”

On Monday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit seeking to stop ICE from engaging in some enforcement activities. Purdon says he believes the state has a good case.

“I believe in our federal courts. I believe in the rule of law and remain hopeful that the rule of law can continue to carry the day.”

ICE did not immediately respond to our request for comment.