Farmers Branch Must Pay $470,000 in Fees

Farmers Branch will pay nearly half a million dollars to those who challenged an attempt to oust illegal immigrants from the city.

The Farmers Branch City Council agreed Tuesday to pay $250,000 to apartment operators and $220,000 to advocacy organizations who sued.

The dispute involves an ordinance requiring landlords to verify all tenants were U.S. citizens or legal immigrants, The Dallas Morning News reported.

A federal judge ordered Farmers Branch to pay legal fees of challengers after the city rule was found to be unconstitutional. The judge also asked all parties to mediate a settlement on costs.

The settlement ends legal matters involving that version of the rental ordinance. Farmers Branch still faces additional lawsuits over a new version of the rental ban.

Mayor Tim O'Hare didn't immediately return a call for comment to The Associated Press.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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