AP: Judge Rules Texas Town’s Illegal Immigrant Apartment Rental Ban Unconstitutional

May 28, 2008 – The Associated Press reports that U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay found that a rental ordinance passed by city leaders in Farmers Branch, Texas, was unconstitutional and only the federal government can regulate immigration.  

The ordinance would have barred apartment rental to illegal immigrants and required landlords to verify legal status. 

Attorney William “Bill” Brewer, who represented apartment complex operators who opposed the rule, celebrated the victory. Lindsay found that the city did not defer to the federal government on the matter and violated the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution.  

“It’s a good day, not just for my clients,” Brewer said. “It’s a good day for people who are thinking clearly about what is the proper role of municipal governments in the immigration debate.”  

Read more here. 

Houston Chronicle: Judge Bars Enforcement of Farmers Branch Rental Law

June 5, 2007 –The Houston Chronicle reports that U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay extended an order preventing the Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch from enforcing a voter-approved ordinance barring apartment rentals to most illegal immigrants. 

The judge decided that a temporary restraining order issued the month prior would remain in effect until June 19, 2007. 

“Farmers Branch should not be in the business of determining who is in the country legally,” said then Brewer attorney Jim Renard, who was representing three apartment complexes. He added that the ordinance should be “tossed.”  

Read more here.