Judge, council to reconsider local Neb. law that bans hiring, renting to illegal immigrants

Neb. council considers suspending immigration law

OMAHA, Neb. — A city council in Nebraska will consider suspending implementation of a controversial new law that would ban hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

The Fremont council said in a news release Friday that a resolution on the suspension will be taken up at its meeting next Tuesday.

The city faces two federal lawsuits from civil rights groups over the voter-approved ordinance. A federal judge has scheduled a hearing next Wednesday on whether to temporarily block the law, which is set to take effect Thursday.

Voters in Fremont approved the measure on June 21. It requires city businesses to use the federal E-Verify database to try to authenticate the legal status of workers and requires potential renters to apply for special licenses.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal court hearing has been set on a request to block enforcement of a new city ordinance in Nebraska that would ban hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp will hear requests Wednesday afternoon from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund.

The two civil-rights groups filed lawsuits this week to prevent the law from taking effect next Thursday in Fremont, Neb. They say the voter-approved ordinance amounts to discrimination.

Voters in Fremont approved the measure on June 21. It requires city businesses to use the federal E-Verify database to try to authenticate the legal status of workers and requires potential renters to apply for special licenses.