The attorney general of Texas is seeking to close down a faith-based organization that has been providing shelter to migrants for many years. This move is part of a broader trend of conservative targeting of Catholic groups and an increase in the state’s own immigration enforcement efforts.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, has filed a lawsuit to revoke the operating license of Annunciation House in El Paso, a border city. The lawsuit comes after a judge ruled in favor of the nonprofit and granted it 14 days to respond to a request for records from Paxton. Among other things, Paxton’s office asked for logs identifying individuals who have received services from the organization.
According to Paxton’s office, public records indicate that the organization has been assisting undocumented individuals in entering the country.
However, Jerome Wesevich, the attorney representing Annunciation House, stated that Paxton’s lawsuit is not about obtaining documents but rather about finding a reason to shut down the organization.
A new law in Texas that increases penalties for human smuggling came into effect recently, prompting the state’s actions against Annunciation House. The organization operates shelters in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and has been providing shelter to migrants and refugees for decades.
Annunciation House has worked closely with immigration authorities to house individuals who have been processed and released while they await hearings. The organization’s work is supported by the community and is in line with its mission to provide aid to those in need.
The dispute over records should be resolved through procedural discussions rather than legal action, according to Bee Moorhead, executive director of the faith-based coalition Texas Impact. The attorney general’s combative approach has raised concerns about the impact on faith-based organizations that assist migrants.
Annunciation House operates on donations and does not have permanent funding sources. The organization is reviewing its funding documents in response to the attorney general’s actions.
Catholic groups have also come under scrutiny, with some lawmakers targeting federal funding for organizations that assist migrants. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic charities have long been involved in resettling migrants and refugees in the United States.
Annunciation House has been part of this humanitarian work for over 46 years and is supported by the Catholic Church. The organization’s mission is rooted in the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger.
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