Neb. city votes to restrict illegal immigration

By JOSH FUNK Associated Press Writer

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) - An eastern Nebraska city that approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants is likely to join Arizona at the center of the national debate about immigration regulations.

But an expected court challenge could keep the measure approved by 57 percent of Fremont voters on Monday from ever taking effect.

The American Civil Liberties Union already has vowed to file a lawsuit to block its enforcement.

Fremont City Councilman Scott Getzschman says it will be difficult and costly for the community of 25,000 people to take on the issue.

The city's Hispanic population has surged in the past two decades, largely due to the jobs at two nearby meatpacking plants.