A federal judge blocked police in Arizona from enforcing a section of the state's 2010 immigration enforcement law that prohibited people from blocking traffic when they seek or offer day labor services on streets.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled Wednesday that groups seeking to overturn the law will likely prevail in their claim that the day labor rules violate the First Amendment.

The ban was among a handful of provisions in the law that were allowed to take effect after a July 2010 decision by Bolton halted enforcement of other, more controversial elements of the law. The previously blocked portions include a requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, question people's immigration status if officers suspect they are in the country illegally.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Gov. Jan Brewer's appeal of Bolton's decision to put the most contentious elements of the law on hold. Another appeals court has already upheld Bolton's ruling.

Three of the seven challenges to the Arizona law remain alive. No trial date has yet been scheduled in the three cases.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and other opponents had asked the judge for a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the day labor rules, arguing they unconstitutionally restrict the free speech rights of people who want to express their need for work.

Brewer's lawyers had opposed attempts to halt enforcement of the day labor restrictions. They argued the restrictions are meant to confront safety concerns, distractions to drivers, harassment to passers-by, trespassing and damage to property.

Brewer's lawyers have said day laborers congregate on roadsides in large groups, flagging down vehicles and often swarming those that stop. They also said day laborers in Phoenix and its suburbs of Chandler, Mesa and Fountain Hills leave behind water bottles, food wrappers and other trash.

Bolton previously denied an earlier request to block the day labor rules, but opponents were allowed to bring it up again after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on a similar issue in September.

The appeals court had suspended a law from Redondo Beach, Calif., that banned day laborers from standing on public sidewalks while soliciting work from motorists. The court ruled the law violated workers' free speech rights and was so broad that it was illegal for children to shout "car wash" to passing drivers.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/29/federal-judge-blocks-arizonas-day-laborer-restrictions/?test=latestnews#ixzz1npvNseaM

It's illegal to block traffic, so these criminals can get away with it because they are illegal(already commiting another crime?!?!)

well at least you dont have to worry about there kids selling illegal lemonade

we agree on something

I dont see how even this gets tagged as a free speech issue, they arent being stopped from expressing a need with their mouth, they are being stopped from having their BODIES obstructing traffic,,,,

It has become crystal clear to me that Judge Bolton is an activist judge. How can she or anyone say that it is okay for anyone to block traffic while trying to hustle up some work regardless who you are? Rhetorical question, I already know the answer and its because she is an activist judge.

well, immigrants arent the only ones

I have seen impoverished people walking up to cars to ask for money

and nation of islam members walking up to sell papers

I think its dangerous, but its probably within the law...

Unfortunately, there are way to many activist judges and I think they need to be removed from the bench.

Walking up the someone's car to panhandle should be illegal and panhandling on the side of the road needs to be illegal as well and actually is illegal in some cities!