We are concerned by the latest escalation in anti-immigrant measures taken by state leaders in Texas, as Attorney General Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Annunciation House, a faith-based volunteer organization serving migrants in El Paso, seeking to revoke their registration to operate in Texas. The attorney general’s office launched an investigation of the organization on February 7th, and demanded the release of documentation within 24 hours. After the nonprofit sought an extension and filed a lawsuit seeking state guidance on what documentation would be legally required to share, Attorney General Paxton announced a lawsuit of his own and accused the organization of human smuggling and other violations.
Annunciation House has operated in the El Paso-Juarez borderlands since 1976, offering hospitality and hope to “those most in need” who are not eligible for existing programs or services, including the undocumented. The work is done by volunteers with the philosophy that this is not a job, but “a way of being.” We are deeply troubled to consider the far-reaching implications of state officials attempting to shut down a faith-based organization that is trying to live out the ideals that they find in Scripture. We do not advocate for open borders or for a lack of immigration enforcement, but we believe that our laws should not interfere with people of faith living out the call to welcome the stranger or to provide for those suffering at our doorstep. Offering shelter or food to those in desperate need should not be equated with “smuggling.”
Please join us in letting Annunciation House know that we stand with them in this difficult time by adding your name to this support letter for their leadership and volunteers. For another tangible way to help, please consider donating as the organization is now facing legal fees in addition to their normal budgetary requirements: https://annunciationhouse.org/donate/