Hazleton law falls; Altoona councilman: "Bring on the challenge" (Altoona Mirror)

Altoona Mayor Wayne Hippo says it's too early to tell how Thursday's decision to void Hazleton's illegal immigrants law will affect enforcement of Altoona's ordinance, though council will seek a strategy from its lawyer.

The decision from a different federal district doesn't nullify Altoona's action, Hippo said.

It does start a legal process that will force municipals like Altoona to review laws inspired by the Hazleton measure.

Altoona's ordinance differs "like night and day," which may help shield it, Hippo said.

Even enthusiastic ordinance proponent Joe Rieker of the Altoona council blanched at some Hazleton provisions.

"I still think we did the right thing," Rieker said. "Bring on the challenge."

The Altoona ordinance calls for license suspensions and fines for businesses that hire and landlords who rent to illegal aliens.

Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act, pushed by the city's Republican mayor last summer after two illegal immigrants were charged in a fatal shooting, was voided by U.S. District Judge James Munley following a nine-day trial in March.

The decision will almost certainly be appealed by the city.

"This decision should be a blaring red stoplight for local officials thinking of copying Hazleton's misguided and unconstitutional law," said Witold J. Walczak, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which represented the plaintiffs.

The Altoona measure so far has led to only one prosecution, the arrest of seven Mongolian nationals on two separate days last week, Codes Director Mark Ernest said.

Previously, the office received "a few" verbal tips and "a couple" written complaints that led to investigations, he said.

"I hope we don't lose it," Ernest said.

Hippo said he sympathizes with Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who was only trying to improve his city by countering the national neglect of immigration enforcement.

"We're wrestling with the problem the gutless leaders in Washington have not been dealing with," Rieker said.

Local government should be able to regulate the effects of such neglect, Hippo said.