City in Calif. Bans Illegal Immigrants From Renting
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
ESCONDIDO, Calif. — City leaders have approved an ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to illegal immigrants, the latest in one of many efforts by local governments across the country to crack down on undocumented workers. More than 100 police officers and sheriff’s deputies in riot gear were on hand for the 3–2 vote Wednesday.
After the measure was approved, one person ran outside the council chamber and yelled, “The USA wins!” prompting opponents and supporters gathered on the lawn to shout at each other for 30 minutes. Police said no arrests were made.The American Civil Liberties Union has indicated it will go to court to block implementation of the ordinance, set to take effect November 18.
Councilman Sam Abed, who supported the measure, said it will improve the city’s image and reputation, “and certainly our quality of life.”
Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler and Councilman Ron Newman, the two no votes, said the ordinance would create new problems for Escondido, a city 30 miles northwest of San Diego. Hispanics make up 42% of Escondido’s 142,000 residents.
