Fremont, Nebraska, may suspend voter-passed immigration crackdown over costs

OMAHA, Nebraska -- Faced with expensive legal challenges, officials in the eastern Nebraska town of Fremont are considering suspending a voter-approved ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants until the lawsuits are resolved.

The City Council narrowly rejected the ban in 2008, prompting supporters to gather enough signatures for the ballot measure. The ordinance, which was approved by voters last month, has divided the community. Supporters say it was necessary to make up for what they see as lax federal law enforcement and opponents argue that it could fuel discrimination.

But the councils president, Scott Getzschman, insisted the elected body was concerned about money, not about any lack of support for the ordinance. The City Council is scheduled to vote on suspending the ban on Tuesday night, a day before the city goes to court over the measure.

The city faces lawsuits from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund. City officials have estimated that Fremonts costs of implementing the ordinance -- including legal fees, employee overtime and improved computer software -- would average $1 million a year.

Getzschman said its not clear how much money the city would save by suspending enforcement of the ordinance. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, when a federal judge was expected to consider whether to temporarily block the ban from taking effect as scheduled Thursday. That hearing would likely still take place, though it could be shorter than expected.

Getzschman insisted the council is trying to act in the citys best interests and limit legal costs, even if the savings are small. In the meantime, the city has postponed informational meetings on the ban that were scheduled for this week.

"It just boils down to the fact that ...