Texas Supreme Court Targets Migrant Shelter: What This Means for Asylum Seekers in El Paso
- becoolwithbob
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
In a troubling move for humanitarian aid groups and immigrant communities across Texas, the Texas Supreme Court has allowed Attorney General Ken Paxton to move forward with an investigation into Annunciation House — a Catholic migrant shelter based in El Paso that has provided shelter and support for asylum seekers for decades.
The court's decision to greenlight this probe has far-reaching implications for both legal immigration and the fundamental rights of people seeking refuge in our state.
Migrant Shelter Under Scrutiny
Annunciation House is known not for political activism, but for compassionate service. For over 40 years, it has offered food, temporary shelter, and support to people fleeing violence and persecution — many of whom are lawfully seeking asylum in the U.S.
Attorney General Paxton, however, alleges that the organization may be involved in human smuggling and “facilitating illegal immigration.” These allegations are not backed by credible evidence at this point, but the investigation is moving forward.
As an immigration lawyer, I view this action as an attempt to intimidate nonprofit and faith-based groups that support migrants — especially those arriving at our border lawfully to apply for asylum. It's part of a larger trend of criminalizing compassion under the guise of enforcement.
Weaponizing Legal Tools Against Faith-Based Aid
Let’s be clear: The Texas AG's actions send a chilling message to other organizations that provide humanitarian support.
The court’s decision grants Paxton legal power to request confidential records and potentially shut down the shelter for non-compliance. This could set a dangerous precedent for state overreach and discourage faith-based nonprofits from engaging in constitutionally protected aid work.
Paxton’s office is relying on a seldom-used part of the Texas Business Organizations Code to justify the probe — a stretch of legal authority that may ultimately be tested in federal court. But while the legal fight unfolds, the fear among service providers is already palpable.
What This Means for Immigrant Families
The families that rely on Annunciation House are not criminals — they are parents, children, and survivors of trauma who came here seeking protection. Investigations like these disrupt the delicate support network that makes safe asylum processing even possible.
Instead of going after cartels or focusing on trafficking networks, the state has chosen to harass a Catholic shelter that provides meals and clean beds. This isn't about law and order. This is about pushing an anti-immigrant agenda — and doing so at the expense of Texas values.
We Must Speak Out
If you're concerned about the implications of this investigation — not just for El Paso, but for every faith-based and community organization in Texas — now is the time to speak out.
📢 Call your state legislators.📝 Write to your local newspaper.💒 Support organizations like Annunciation House that are under threat.
As an immigration attorney committed to defending the rights of the vulnerable, I stand firmly against this politicization of legal aid. Migrant shelters should not be treated like criminal enterprises — they should be honored for their service to humanity.
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