http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S= ... menu73_2_5

Farmers Branch -- A judge Monday blocked a voter-endorsed ordinance barring apartment rentals to most illegal immigrants in Farmers Branch.

U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay of Dallas wrote that only the federal government can determine whether a person is in the country legally.

The ordinance, with some exceptions, requires managers to verify that apartment renters are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants before leasing to them.

The temporary restraining order blocks the ordinance, which was to take effect Tuesday.

No date was immediately set for a court hearing on the order.

Farmers Branch attorney Matthew Boyle says there's still plenty of work left on the case. He declined comment on specifics.

Earlier Monday, other activists sued Farmers Branch, claiming minorities are underrepresented with the at-large city council system.

That lawsuit seeks creation of single-member districts.