Thread: Farmers Branch - Real estate agent sues over anti-illegal

http://www.team4news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5767956

Dec 4, 2006

Real estate agent sues over anti-illegal immigration rule


DALLAS A Farmers Branch resident filed a lawsuit today alleging the City Council and mayor repeatedly violated the state's open meetings laws to deliberate anti-illegal immigration ordinances.

Guillermo Ramos was among opponents who protested at city hall before officials unanimously approved having property managers verify the immigration or citizenship status of apartment renters.

The lawsuit, filed in state district court, alleges the mayor and council members routinely met in closed session and schemed to deny the public access to discussion about the ordinances.

Ramos wants the court to review minutes and recordings of closed executive session meetings the council had regarding both measures.

Starting January 12, every person in an apartment would have to submit documentation to the landlord when making or renewing leases. Property managers or owners who break the rule face a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500.

The suit by Ramos seeks to declare the ordinance null and void and keep the city from enforcing it.

It also targets a seperate rule that imposes new property maintenance standards for homeowners, which bans empty flower pots and dirty garage doors.

Farmers Branch spokesman Tom Bryson says the city had not yet been served with the lawsuit.

saw this on CBS-11.

Guillermo Ramos was among opponents who protested at city hall before officials unanimously approved having property managers verify the immigration or citizenship status of apartment renters.

wonder why he's angry?

Maybe he'll have a hard time putting food on his table with the new law.