In a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for nonprofit organizations and immigration advocacy groups, the Texas Supreme Court recently ruled to allow Attorney General Ken Paxton to resume his investigation into Annunciation House, a Catholic charity that provides housing and services for asylum seekers in El Paso. The ruling, issued on May 29, 2025, overturns a lower court’s decision that had blocked Paxton’s investigation, clearing the way for him to move forward with legal proceedings aimed at revoking the shelter’s charter.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into Annunciation House began in early 2025, following allegations from Paxton’s office that the shelter was involved in facilitating human smuggling by providing shelter to undocumented immigrants. Paxton’s investigation has drawn national attention, as it pits the Texas Attorney General’s office against a well-respected nonprofit organization that has long been recognized for its work with migrants.
Annunciation House has been at the forefront of providing housing, food, legal assistance, and medical care to asylum seekers, particularly those arriving at the southern U.S. border. Founded in 1978, the organization has been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid to thousands of migrants each year.
In response to the allegations, Annunciation House has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its mission is solely to provide assistance to vulnerable individuals seeking refuge in the United States. The shelter maintains that it works within the bounds of U.S. immigration law, providing services to individuals while they await legal proceedings or asylum decisions.
Texas Supreme Court Ruling
The Texas Supreme Court’s decision to allow Paxton to resume his investigation marks a significant legal victory for the Attorney General’s office, which has made immigration enforcement a central part of its agenda. Paxton has repeatedly argued that nonprofits like Annunciation House have enabled human trafficking and illegal immigration by offering sanctuary to individuals who may not have legal authorization to be in the country.
In its ruling, the state’s highest court emphasized that the investigation should continue without interference, as it believed the Attorney General’s office had sufficient grounds to examine the shelter’s operations. The decision comes at a time when immigration policy is a highly contentious issue in Texas, with both state and federal authorities debating how to handle the increasing number of migrants arriving at the southern border.
Legal and Political Implications
The legal battle between Paxton’s office and Annunciation House is likely to set important precedents regarding the legal protections of nonprofit organizations involved in immigration work. As of now, the Attorney General’s office has not filed charges but has indicated that it is exploring whether the shelter is violating state laws related to human trafficking and asylum-seeker assistance.
Legal experts suggest that the ruling could lead to similar investigations into other nonprofit organizations that provide shelter and assistance to immigrants. Paxton’s office has stated that its goal is to ensure that organizations are not facilitating illegal activity under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Critics of the investigation argue that it could have a chilling effect on the work of immigrant advocacy groups in Texas and could discourage other nonprofits from offering assistance to migrants out of fear of legal repercussions.
“This ruling represents a disturbing trend where compassionate organizations are being treated like criminals for offering basic humanitarian aid,” said Maria Gutierrez, an immigration attorney based in Houston. “It’s part of a broader political campaign to attack immigration rights under the guise of law enforcement.”
The Role of Annunciation House
Despite the challenges, Annunciation House has continued its mission of helping immigrants, emphasizing that it will fight the legal battle in court and remain committed to its work. The organization has already secured significant legal support from national human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has vowed to challenge any legal efforts to shut down or restrict the shelter.
“We are here to serve people who are fleeing violence and oppression. We will not be deterred by legal challenges,” said Fernando Garcia, Executive Director of Annunciation House.
The case also raises questions about the broader landscape of U.S. immigration policy. Advocates for migrants argue that organizations like Annunciation House play a crucial role in providing shelter and legal support to people in desperate need, particularly as the Biden administration has faced challenges in implementing comprehensive immigration reform.
Conclusion: A Case to Watch
As the legal battle continues, the implications of this case will be felt far beyond El Paso. The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling to allow Paxton to resume his investigation sends a powerful message about the state’s stance on immigration enforcement and nonprofit organizations’ roles in supporting vulnerable populations. The ongoing case will undoubtedly be watched closely by other advocacy groups, policymakers, and legal experts as it has the potential to shape future debates on immigration policy and the legal protections for nonprofit organizations in Texas.
