Plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for New Jersey challenging the constitutionality of Riverside’s Ordinance 2006-16, also known as the “Illegal Immigration Relief Act,” which prohibited housing and employment of undocumented immigrants. They argued that the ordinance improperly attempted to enforce federal immigration laws, violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and caused national origin discrimination, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Despite Riverside’s initial agreement to suspend enforcement, a revised version of the ordinance was enacted, prompting further legal action.

Due to rising legal costs and a related adverse ruling in a similar case, the Township repealed the revised ordinance in September 2007. Following the repeal, plaintiffs sought summary judgment and attorneys’ fees, which the Township opposed, arguing the voluntary repeal negated the need for fees. The court ultimately dismissed the motions and closed the case on November 30, 2007.