A local organization providing aid to migrants in Texas faced a setback when a judge rejected the attempt by the office of state Attorney General Ken Paxton to question its leader.
Maya Guerra Gamble, a judge from Travis County’s 459th Civil District Court, has recently rejected a request made by Paxton’s office. The request was to depose a representative from Team Brownsville, an organization that offers essential support, including water, shelter, and other necessities, to asylum-seeking migrants in the United States.
Paxton asserted that it had a valid reason to believe that the organization was assisting immigrants in unlawfully entering the country. Additionally, it alleged that individuals who were previously associated with the organization, including board members and volunteers, have raised concerns about the organization’s lack of financial transparency regarding funds received from the government and donors. However, no specific allegations of misconduct were provided.
Paxton has faced numerous rejections in his ongoing efforts to clamp down on groups that provide assistance to migrants entering the state.
A Houston judge stepped in last week to block an attempt to shut down FIEL, an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of immigrants. The Attorney General’s office had accused FIEL of violating nonprofit regulations by engaging in political discourse, specifically criticizing former President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The Catholic charity, Annunciation House, which offers assistance to migrants in the state, became the focus of a highly publicized initiative. This endeavor received criticism even from Pope Francis himself, who referred to it as “madness.”
“It is absolute madness to close the border and abandon them there. This approach is sheer madness. We must provide a warm welcome to migrants. After that, we can determine the best course of action. Perhaps some may need to be sent back, but each case should be treated with humanity,” stated Pope Francis in a May interview with CBS News‘ 60 Minutes.
In February, Texas initiated its efforts to combat illegal immigration as part of a broader initiative to minimize the number of migrants entering the state. At that time, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the organization, alleging that it not only encourages illegal entry into the United States but also functions as a stash house in practice.
In July, despite Paxton’s efforts, an El Paso judge dismissed the request. Judge Francisco Domínguez explained that even if the AG’s claim were true, it would not constitute a violation of state laws against human smuggling. He further stated that state laws are preempted by federal laws and are therefore “unenforceable.” Nevertheless, Paxton is determined to proceed and has recently appealed to the state Supreme Court to allow his office to continue its efforts.
