[KR: This ruling is probably not the final word on the extent to which localities can choose not to cooperate with federal authorities on deportation, but it underscores the "tale of two cities" nature of local immigration policies and practices across the country.]
Judge throws out lawsuit against LAPD rule on immigration queries
The slaying of Jamiel Shaw II put a spotlight on Special Order 40, which limits when officers can ask about immigration status. The jurist rules the order doesn’t conflict with federal or state law.
By Joel Rubin
Los Angeles Times
June 26, 2008
A judge Wednesday threw out a lawsuit filed by a Los Angeles resident who wanted to repeal a long-standing LAPD order that restricts when police officers may ask people about their immigration status.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Rolf M. Treu, granting a motion from the city and the American Civil Liberties Union, said Harold Sturgeon had failed to prove that Special Order 40 was in conflict with federal and state laws that dictate the flow of information between local and federal agencies regarding people’s immigration status.