The charity run shelter in El Paso, Texas, Annunciation House, is accused of planning and facilitating the illegal crossing of migrants from Mexico into the US. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the organization, claiming that they have admitted to assisting migrants in avoiding Border Patrol and crossing into the country illegally.
Despite being run by Ruben Garcia, a Catholic activist with a long history of helping migrants, Paxton accuses the group of being involved in human smuggling. Annunciation House allegedly transports migrants in passenger vans in groups of 15, some of whom are present illegally in the US and avoiding Border Patrol. The lawsuit is seeking documentation about the migrants the charity helps to verify the presence of undocumented individuals.
Annunciation House relies on private donations and has not provided records to the IRS since 2003, using their religious designation to avoid financial disclosures. The group has refused to comply with Paxton’s demand for documentation on the migrants they shelter. The lawsuit claims that organizations like Annunciation House are contributing to the influx of migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border.
Governor Greg Abbott urged Paxton to investigate the role of border nonprofits in facilitating illegal immigration, especially during times of crisis when cities like El Paso were overwhelmed with migrants. Despite their long history of providing assistance to migrants, faith-based groups like Annunciation House have operated with minimal government scrutiny.
Paxton’s lawsuit against Annunciation House has faced resistance in court, with a district judge ruling against his efforts to shut down the organization. The legal battle highlights the tension between government oversight and religious freedom for organizations like Annunciation House, which aim to continue their work of helping migrants despite the legal challenges they face.
Ruben Garcia, the founder of Annunciation House, sees his work as a calling from God to help the poor and marginalized. Inspired by Mother Teresa, Garcia has dedicated his life to assisting undocumented migrants and providing them with shelter and support. Despite criticism from those who claim that organizations like Annunciation House encourage illegal immigration, Garcia remains committed to his belief that his work is a reflection of his faith.
