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Court Says Illegal Immigrants Can't Have Guns

DENVER (AP) - A federal appeals court says illegal immigrants don't have a right to own firearms under the U.S. Constitution.

Emmanuel Huitron-Guizar of Wyoming pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of firearms after his arrest last year. He was ordered held by immigration authorities at the Natrona County Detention Center.

An attorney for the defendant appealed the case, saying illegal immigrants were not excluded from possessing firearms like people who are mentally ill and felons, and should have the same rights as U.S. citizens to buy a gun for hunting and protection. The attorney did not return a phone call seeking reaction.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday that illegal immigrants only have limited protection under the constitution.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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