Texas AG is battling a Catholic charity that aids migrants

A Texas district court judge recently blocked attempts by state Attorney General Ken Paxton to shut down El Paso’s Annunciation House, a network of Catholic shelters that assist immigrants. Paxton’s office had accused the shelter of violating human smuggling laws, but the judge noted that immigration issues were covered only under federal law.

U.S. religious organizations have often challenged laws that penalize aid to immigrants, writes University of Nebraska Omaha religious studies scholar Laura E. Alexander. Their actions are rooted in texts and traditions of showing compassion to the outsider. Christian scriptures, for example, emphasize the actions of Jesus and the apostle Paul in welcoming outsiders. Other faith groups such as Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Jews also uphold the value of hospitality.

As Alexander explains, Annunciation House is the latest in a long line of religious groups to cite their humanitarian mission and say that it “neither enforces nor breaks immigration laws but focuses on providing aid and legal advice.”

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