Texas Supreme Court Allows AG Paxton Lawsuit Against Annunciation House to Proceed

The Texas Supreme Court has allowed Attorney General Ken Paxton to proceed with his lawsuit and investigation against Annunciation House, a Catholic nonprofit in El Paso accused of harboring undocumented immigrants and violating state laws. Paxton's office alleges the organization operates a stash house and aids illegal border crossings, claims that Annunciation House denies, asserting their actions are humanitarian and lawful. The court overturned a previous injunction from a district judge that had blocked Paxton's efforts and ruled that he has constitutional authority to file a quo warranto action challenging the nonprofit’s right to operate in Texas. The Supreme Court dismissed accusations that Paxton's actions were motivated by bias against the organization's religious affiliations, emphasizing the presumption of good faith and legality in the attorney general's conduct. While the case raises significant legal questions, including the application of the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the court indicated it is too early to rule on the merits, allowing the legal process to continue. Annunciation House's leadership has stated they are reviewing the ruling to understand its full implications.