Fremont tackles illegal immigrant issue
By Jean Ortiz The Associated PressTuesday, Jul 22, 2008 - 11:39:44 am CDT

OMAHA -- Fremont is the latest community to try its hand at regulating illegal immigration a job traditionally reserved for federal officials.

A proposed ordinance introduced by the Fremont City Council earlier this month and set for decision in late August would force prospective renters to prove they’re not illegal immigrants before becoming tenants in the city. A city councilman also has asked to make the measure prohibit hiring illegal immigrants.

Supporters say the law is needed to enforce federal rules they believe are falling by the wayside in the city of 25,000. Opponents of the measure say it could divide the community and prompt expensive legal challenges.

Fremont is one of a handful of Nebraska cities that have undergone marked demographic change, primarily because of the mostly Hispanic work forces at meatpacking plants.

The proposed ordinance is the first of its kind for a city in Nebraska, said Norm Pflanz, an attorney with Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest.

Nebraska Appleseed, the Nebraska Mexican-American Commission, union and religious leaders are among those opposing the plan.

Pflanz has several concerns, including the potential threat to public safety.

Based on similar efforts elsewhere in the country, he’s concerned as well about exposing the city to tens of thousands or even millions of dollars in possible legal fees.

“The cost to defend these ordinances is staggering,â€