A federal judge has denied the Arizona attorney general’s request to formally object to part of a proposed settlement of a lawsuit against Motel 6 for turning guest information over to immigration authorities, but the state’s top lawyer can re-submit his protest later.
Mark Brnovich had asked a federal judge to deny the initial go-ahead on the proposed settlement. The agreement would let some money go to charities if Motel 6 guests who faced deportation, or were questioned by immigration authorities, did not claim their share of a multimillion-dollar pot.
Motel 6 was sued by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF. President and General Counsel Thomas Saenz said the potential for Motel 6 to pay money to charities will still be part of a renegotiated deal coming soon.
“If you don’t have some place for money to go, if not enough class members come forward, then it would be a windfall for Motel 6,” he said.
Brnovich can re-submit his objection once a motion to approve a new proposed settlement is filed. The motion, expected to come from MALDEF and Motel 6, is due June 28.
