Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking to shut down a long-standing faith-based organization that has provided shelter to migrants for decades, marking an escalation in conservative efforts to target Catholic groups and intensifying the state’s own immigration enforcement activities.
Paxton, a Republican, has filed a lawsuit aimed at revoking the operating license of Annunciation House, based in El Paso on the border, after a judge granted the nonprofit 14 days to respond to a demand for records by Paxton’s office. Among the requested records are logs identifying individuals who have received services from the organization.
The attorney general’s office alleges that public records suggest Annunciation House has been aiding undocumented individuals in entering the country, among other activities. However, Jerome Wesevich, the attorney representing Annunciation House, argues that Paxton’s lawsuit is not about obtaining documents but rather a pretext to shut down the organization.
The dispute arose following the implementation of a new Texas law that enhances penalties for human smuggling, which went into effect on February 6. Annunciation House’s legal aid attorney noted the timing, suggesting a targeted effort by state authorities.
Founded in 1978 by Ruben Garcia, Annunciation House has been a prominent fixture in providing shelter to migrants and refugees, working closely with federal immigration agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The organization’s efforts primarily focus on individuals already processed and released by immigration authorities, many of whom are awaiting asylum hearings.
The ongoing legal battle has drawn attention to broader concerns about immigration policies and the role of faith-based organizations in assisting migrants. Catholic groups, including Annunciation House, have faced scrutiny and opposition from some Republican lawmakers amid heightened debate over immigration.
While the attorney general’s office asserts its authority to examine business records and enforce compliance, critics argue that the approach taken by Paxton’s office is unnecessarily confrontational and risks undermining the humanitarian efforts of organizations like Annunciation House.
In response to the lawsuit, Annunciation House maintains its commitment to providing assistance to migrants and refugees in accordance with its mission rooted in biblical principles of compassion and hospitality.
