Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against El Paso migrant aid organization Annunciation House, accusing them of shielding illegal immigrants from law enforcement. Paxton claims to have evidence of criminal conduct by the organization and has requested a temporary injunction to stop them from allegedly engaging in this behavior. He previously sued Annunciation House on February 20, seeking to put an end to their operations in Texas after they failed to comply with his request for documents.
When Paxton initially requested documents from Annunciation House, the organization asked for 30 days to respond. However, Paxton deemed them “non-compliant” when they didn’t respond the following day. The nonprofit, led by Ruben Garcia, obtained a temporary restraining order over Paxton’s demand for records, with the judge noting that Paxton did not cite which specific Texas laws were being violated in his request.
Paxton has accused NGOs like Annunciation House of facilitating the unlawful entry of illegal aliens into Texas, leading to a challenge to the rule of law and potential risks to the safety and well-being of citizens. He stated that any NGOs complicit in illegal immigration under President Biden’s administration should be on notice, as they are not above the law. The judge presiding over the case criticized Paxton’s efforts as being conducted without due process or fair play.
Annunciation House has defended their work, claiming to have provided hospitality to hundreds of thousands of refugees over the past 46 years. They state that their services are in line with the scriptural and Gospel mandate to welcome the stranger and are recognized by the Catholic Church. The organization views their work as no different from the assistance provided by schools, clinics, hospitals, and places of worship to refugees and migrants in need.
Paxton’s lawsuit against Annunciation House cites public reports on the organization’s operations in El Paso, including claims that they have given refuge to migrants who avoided Border Patrol out of fear of being sent back to Mexico. The lawsuit also alleges that Annunciation House is involved in human smuggling, citing their transportation of migrants in groups using passenger vans once or twice a week. Annunciation House has previously rejected Paxton’s accusations as illegal, immoral, and unfounded, emphasizing their commitment to offering hospitality and support to those in need.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Annunciation House continues to provide advocacy and education on immigration issues to migrants, refugees, and the economically vulnerable. They view their work as essential in fulfilling their mission to welcome and support those seeking refuge and assistance, in line with their guiding principles as a Catholic organization. The conflict between Paxton and Annunciation House highlights the broader debate surrounding immigration policy and the responsibilities of organizations working to support marginalized populations in the current political climate.
