WFAA-TV

"People are afraid to come to Farmers Branch," says Patricia Gonzalez, a restaurant owner.

FARMERS BRANCH - The City of Farmers Branch has been hit by another lawsuit.

It comes as city officials are due to make a decision on whether to repeal an ordinance on illegal immigration or send it to the voters.

Some business owners say the ordinance has scared away Hispanic customers.

On Sunday, they held a press conference to announce the launch of a lawsuit.

However, they were interrupted by two uninvited guests.

Two men who support the ordinances refused to leave the restaurant where the press conference was taking place.

When the men finally left, some 35 business owners stood together to announce the lawsuit.

"When they passed this ordinance, they effectively made it an obligation for these businessmen who rely upon the Hispanic community for clientele to fail," said attorney Forest Nelson.

"[Business] is very slow, compared to before," said restaurant owner Patricia Gonzalez.

She says tables have been empty at her Mexican restaurant since the city passed an English-only ordinance and a law against renting to illegal immigrants.

"People are afraid to come to Farmers Branch," she added.

The council members who initiated the ordinances say the law is working.

"What we wanted to do was make Farmers Branch a place which is unattractive to illegal aliens, so I think they are definitely accomplishing their goal," said Tim O'Hare, a Farmers Branch council member.

Some say there has been an organized boycott of restaurants - a charge that others deny.

"The problem is not any boycott. The problem is that they've enacted legislation that's discriminatory and punitive," said Carlos Quintanilla, a civil rights activist.

City members will meet Monday night to decide whether to repeal the ordinance or send it to an election.

Hispanic leaders say they would not win in a vote, and that their only hope, is in the courts.

E-mail blozano@wfaa.com.