Texas AG Ken Paxton Drops Lawsuit Against El Paso Migrant Shelter
The legal battle to close Annunciation House concludes after nearly three years of litigation.
1Lawsuit Against Shelter Ends
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially dropped his lawsuit aimed at shutting down Annunciation House, a prominent El Paso migrant shelter network. The office filed a notice of nonsuit with prejudice on Monday, ensuring that similar allegations cannot be brought against the organization by the state in the future.
2Origins of the Legal Conflict
The conflict began on February 7, 2024, when Paxton demanded access to the nonprofit's private records, including sensitive information about the individuals they served. Annunciation House challenged this demand in court, leading Paxton to attempt to revoke their nonprofit registration by alleging the shelter was involved in human smuggling activities.
3Allegations and Official Denials
Paxton’s office accused the shelter of harboring migrants and operating as a stash house, claims that founder Ruben Garcia vehemently denied. Garcia maintained that the organization only provides services to migrants who have already been processed and released by federal immigration authorities, operating within the scope of their humanitarian mission.
4Judicial History of the Case
The legal battle saw significant back-and-forth, with an El Paso district judge initially blocking the state's attempt to close the facility. However, the Texas Supreme Court later reversed that decision in May 2025, denying the shelter's request for a rehearing and keeping the threat of closure active until this week's dismissal.
5Impact of Recent Midterm Elections
The sudden dismissal follows the November 3 midterm elections, where Democrats secured key victories across Texas. Ruben Garcia and U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar both attributed the end of the litigation to this political shift, suggesting that the incoming administration will redirect state resources away from what they described as partisan bullying.
6Transition of Attorney General Office
Ken Paxton, who unsuccessfully sought a U.S. Senate seat, is preparing to depart the Attorney General’s Office in mid-January. His successor, Democrat Nathan Johnson, has publicly stated his intention to review the various cases brought by Paxton, signaling a potential change in how the state approaches legal oversight of nonprofit organizations.
7Broader Chilling Effect on Nonprofits
Garcia noted that the state's aggressive legal strategy created a climate of fear among humanitarian groups in the region. Many organizations felt they were operating under a metaphorical wet blanket, constantly worried that they might be the next target of state investigations, which hindered their ability to advocate for vulnerable populations.
8Historical Context of the Shelter
Established in 1978, Annunciation House has served over half a million people, focusing on the poor and homeless in El Paso. In 2023, the organization played a critical role in providing shelter to thousands of migrants during a major influx, cementing its status as a vital component of the border region's infrastructure.