A federal judge in San Diego has prohibited the City of Escondido from enforcing a controversial measure that bans landlords from renting to undocumented immigrants. Judge John Houston says the measure could cause irreparable harm and questioned its constitutionality. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.
The measure was scheduled to go into effect this morning. But Judge Houston’s ruling prevents the city from enforcing it for at least 90 days, until an injunction hearing is held. Houston said the measure may be preempted by federal immigration law and violate dues process. He said the measure could burden immigration officials and cause hardships for landlords and tenants.
After the ruling an attorney for the plaintiffs, Hal Rosner quipped the Judge couldn’t find much about the measure that is legal.
Last week, the Escondido City Manager wrote a memo to clarify many of the issues the plaintiffs raised in their lawsuit. Plaintiff’s attorneys say the memo amounts to an admission by the city that the ordinance is illegal. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
