El Paso, Texas – A state district court judge in Texas has blocked an attempt by the Texas Attorney General to close down a long-standing shelter network for migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border. Judge Francisco X. Dominguez of the 205th District Court ruled that the allegations made by the Attorney General were unfounded and violated the Fourth Amendment, calling the actions “outrageous and intolerable.”
The attorney general had demanded records from Annunciation House, a nonprofit running shelters for migrants and refugees, leading to a lawsuit by the organization. In response, the attorney general filed a countersuit seeking to shut down the shelters, accusing the nonprofit of violating smuggling laws.
According to the judge, the attorney general’s request for documents was a pretext for harassment and an attempt to find evidence of criminal activity. The ruling emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of those seeking refuge.
Annunciation House, a faith-based organization, has been providing shelter to undocumented immigrants for almost five decades. Their work, in collaboration with immigration officials, aims to provide migrants with essential resources and a safe haven in the United States.
The ruling was celebrated by supporters of Annunciation House, highlighting the importance of the organization’s partnership with the federal government in assisting migrants released by CBP. Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas commended the court’s decision, emphasizing the essential role of nonprofits like Annunciation House in providing critical services to refugees.
Critics have raised concerns about the attorney general’s efforts to investigate organizations, including Annunciation House, with claims of systemic criminal conduct. Similar probes into other immigration-focused nonprofits have sparked controversy over the use of government resources for political purposes.
With the court’s ruling, advocates hope that the attorney general will conduct investigations in a more transparent and legal manner, respecting the rights of organizations providing support to vulnerable populations. Nonprofits like Annunciation House play a crucial role in humanitarian efforts, and ensuring their ability to operate without undue interference is essential in upholding the rule of law.