Fremont, Nebraska’s controversial new immigration ordinance hit with two federal lawsuits. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) filed lawsuits against the city and seek immediate injunction of the ordinance. The ACLU contends the ordinance is “unconstitutional because immigration policy is the responsibility of the federal government.” The lawsuit could mean millions in legal fees for the city of Fremont.

United States v. State of Arizona and Gov. Janice K. Brewer goes to court today. Thursday marks the first court hearing of the Obama administration’s lawsuit against the new immigration law in Arizona. The main issue for today’s hearing is whether the judge will grant an injunction preventing the law from taking effect on July 29, just seven days from now.  

Investigation into the list of 1,300 undocumented immigrant names circulating in Utah is turned over to AG. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says his office will act swiftly if they find evidence of wrongdoing. Earlier in the week two women employed with the Utah Department of Workforce Services were terminated because of their alleged involvement in the creation of the list. Eight other Utah state government employees are under investigation.

Church leaders in Utah voice concern over complex immigration issues. Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have issued a new statement on immigration calling for civility in the discourse of immigration matters. A spokesman for the church commented that “elected officials have the primary responsibility to find solutions in the best interests of all whose lives will be impacted.” The statement came in the wake of the distribution of a list of 1,300 undocumented immigrant names.

According to Reid, passing the DREAM Act this year is possible. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would move the DREAM Act for a vote before fall elections. However, he will not move the bill forward until “he hears from pro-immigration advocacy groups that they consider it impossible to move forward this year on a more comprehensive overhaul.” Advocates hope the DREAM Act can gain bi-partisan support.