Texas Supreme Court Weighs Closure of El Paso Migrant Shelter

The Texas Supreme Court is reviewing Attorney General Ken Paxton’s effort to shut down Annunciation House, an El Paso migrant shelter accused of aiding undocumented immigrants. Founded nearly 50 years ago, the shelter works with federal agencies to house migrants released by immigration authorities.

Legal Background
In February 2024, Paxton’s office demanded records from Annunciation House, leading the shelter to sue for legal clarity. Paxton countersued, citing violations of state laws against human smuggling. A district judge blocked the closure, ruling state laws are overridden by federal law. Paxton appealed to the Texas Supreme Court.

Arguments in Court
Paxton’s team argued the shelter deliberately houses undocumented migrants and should be shut down to deter others. Annunciation House defended its work as lawful and rooted in its Catholic faith, with support from religious freedom advocates.

What’s Next
The court’s ruling could either empower Paxton to pursue closure or allow Annunciation House to continue serving migrants.