Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a request for a Temporary Injunction against Annunciation House, accusing the organization of engaging in criminal activities related to illegal border crossings. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) claims to have gathered sworn testimony suggesting that Annunciation House's operations are intended to aid illegal border crossings and hide undocumented immigrants from law enforcement.
Earlier this year, the OAG requested documents from Annunciation House to better understand its operations. Instead of complying, Annunciation House initiated legal action against the OAG. According to Paxton's office, subsequent sworn testimony from Annunciation House indicates that it functions as a criminal enterprise by knowingly providing shelter to undocumented immigrants who evade border patrols. It is alleged that the organization even crosses into Mexico to bring back individuals denied entry by border patrols and conceals them in its shelters.
Annunciation House reportedly claimed a religious right to refuse cooperation with the OAG's investigation. However, when questioned under oath about how their religious beliefs would be affected by producing documents, the Executive Director of Annunciation House admitted there would be no burden. Additionally, when asked about religious practices at Annunciation House, senior staff provided vague responses such as practicing "the seven commandments."
Attorney General Paxton stated, “Any NGO facilitating the unlawful entry of illegal aliens into Texas is undermining the rule of law and potentially jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of our citizens.” He further warned NGOs involved in illegal immigration activities under President Joe Biden's administration that they should consider themselves warned.
To read the filing, click here.