Annunciation House, a Catholic non-profit in El Paso, is embroiled in controversy as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accuses it of facilitating human smuggling and other crimes on 2/23/2024. The organization, which provides aid to migrants, has vehemently denied these allegations, calling the accusations an attack on their faith-based mission. The local community and several political figures, including @RepEscobar and @RepMenendez, have rallied in support of Annunciation House, criticizing Paxton's actions as part of a broader MAGA extremist agenda aimed at demonizing immigrants and those who assist them. The case has garnered attention, with Annunciation House's founder, Ruben Garcia, warning that this could signal the start of a wider crackdown on humanitarian organizations. The dispute has escalated to the courts, with Annunciation House fighting to keep its doors open amidst threats of shutdown by the Texas AG for not turning over records.
ERIN ELMORE: Texas sues NGOs facilitating ‘human smuggling’ along US-Mexico border https://t.co/vBT3S9dfeR
Last year, I visited @AHouseElPaso during one of my trips to the southern border and saw firsthand how they help both migrants and border communities. Now, the far-right Texas AG @KenPaxtonTX wants to shut them down. We cannot allow this immoral assault on a faith-based… https://t.co/DK0XPH2rgy
“Is there no shame to refer to houses of God, houses of hospitality, as stash houses?” @AHouseElPaso is fighting @TXAG’s threat to shut them down if they don’t immediately turn over records. @KenPaxtonTX accused the nonprofit of “human smuggling.” https://t.co/bqCFjFIUDy
Texas Attorney General threatens to shut down El Paso non-profit helping migrants https://t.co/eFYdqwCEOG
.@AHouseElPaso founder and director Ruben Garcia warned that @TXAG’s intention to shut down the El Paso migrant aid nonprofit is just the beginning – other humanitarian organizations could be next. More from @priscillatotiya @report4america: https://t.co/bqCFjFIUDy
El Paso community shows support for Annunciation House as shelter fights Texas AG in court https://t.co/HwlSsnF5sS
'Is there no shame!' Catholic El Paso migrant shelter DENIES running human smuggling ring and blasts Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for calling 'House of God a stash house' https://t.co/239BGz3nDe https://t.co/MCZNVdntr5
Catholic El Paso migrant shelter DENIES running human smuggling ring https://t.co/EhGo02Omh4 https://t.co/V2Ia8XXjAe
What Ken Paxton is doing to target Annunciation House is just the start of the MAGA extremist playbook intent on demonizing immigrants and those who provide support to them. Ruben, you have my gratitude. Our community stands with you. https://t.co/vEXSaBeSo9
A Catholic non-profit, @AHouseElPaso, has been accused by @KenPaxton of facilitating human smuggling and other crimes. Learn more in the 2/23/2024 edition of the TEXAS MINUTE. Also today... Lt. Gov. @DanPatrick Endorses #TxLege House Challenger @StormyForTexas...… https://t.co/gJGNRVsgOL