Federal court: South Carolina immigration law in 'direct conflict' with federal law

"[W]hile it is unlikely that Gergel would block the entire law, questions indicate he is considering blocking one provision that requires immigrants to carry their paperwork that permits them to be in the United States and another that requires police to check immigration status. ... Gergel ... expressed concern about a piece of the law that would criminalize anyone in the country illegally. Under the state law, police would be allowed to jail people for no reason other than they are illegal immigrants. Currently, the federal government treats those cases as civil violations. 'We’re going to pull them over on the way to the Piggly Wiggly and put them in jail?' Gergel asked. 'Come on. This is in direct conflict with federal law.'" - The State, Dec.20, 2011.