Judge Denies Injunction Against Gwinnett Purchasing Ordinance

On Tuesday, December 4th, a federal judge in Atlanta denied a request by the Georgia Utility Contractors Association and Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. for the court to issue an injunction against the enforcement of Gwinnett County’s Purchasing Ordinance, which contains new provisions that allow the county to fine county contractors who hire illegal immigrants. The groups filed suit against the County on Thursday, December 29th arguing that Gwinnett County overstepped its bounds by instituting fines against such companies because that is a role exclusive to the federal government. During the hearing the judge stated that he agreed with the plaintiffs in the matter, but refused to issue an injunction against enforcement. The judges statements cast doubt on the legality of local governments issuing fines or sanctions against companies that hire illegal immigrants.