Special Order 40 upheld

In a blow to activists against illegal immigration, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge upheld the LAPD's Special Order 40, which limits when officers can ask about immigration status. Rachel Uranga in the Daily News.

In his ruling, Judge Rolf M. Treu found that the conservative Judicial Watch, which brought the suit on behalf of a Los Angeles taxpayer, failed to show that the policy conflicted with federal law that prohibits restrictions on state and local police from communicating with immigration officials.

"This is good news," LAPD Chief William Bratton said. "It is an essential tool and continues to be an essential tool of the Los Angeles Police Department."