Illegal immigration measure voted down in Fremont, Ne.

[Omaha Steve]

Last night's pre-meeting story here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3699296

I believe the mayor did the right thing. Go after the employers!

Published Tuesday July 29, 2008
Illegal immigration measure voted down in Fremont
BY CINDY GONZALEZ AND JOHN FERAK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

FREMONT, Neb. — With the nation's immigration spotlight shining on it Tuesday night, the City Council and mayor here killed a controversial proposal aimed at driving away illegal immigrants.


Carlos Garcia holds a flag outside a public hearing with the Fremont City Council on a proposed ordinance seeking to ban illegal immigrants.

The move came after about three hours of passionate testimony.

The council, after voting to suspend the rules and move up an Aug. 26 vote, then deadlocked 4-4 on the proposed ordinance.

Mayor Donald Edwards was the tie-breaker. After reading from a prepared statement, he cast a "no" vote.

Edwards said he was strongly against illegal immigration and the vote had weighed heavily on his mind, but he made his decision after consulting with several law firms in the Omaha area.

"Trying to enforce this type of ordinance would be very expensive, hundreds of thousands of dollars, possibly millions," he said. "I am of the opinion this is a federal law. I vote no."

Boos from an audience that shrank as the night wore on were drowned out by a standing ovation cheering Edwards' vote.

Before the votes, more than 1,000 people filled the Fremont High School auditorium for a public hearing on the proposal, which would have penalized those who rented to or employed illegal immigrants within Fremont's boundaries.

FULL stort at link.

Also these videos at link: • Public input during the hearing & • Differing views outside the hearing.