Paxton Faces Heavy Scrutiny for Attack on Catholic Charity Annunciation House

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is facing heavy scrutiny for his recent attack and accusations against Catholic charity Annunciation House.

Annunciation House is a Catholic-run charity that seeks to provide shelter to migrants and those in need. The network of givers tries to ensure that migrants who have been legally processed at the border have shelter and food. Yet, Paxton views these acts as political and is attempting to limit the group’s power in the state of Texas.

Many critics view Paxton’s lawsuit as a major overreach. Some of that overreach has been pushed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R). The current attorney general is walking in strange territory as he attacks faith-based organizations in an effort to rid the state of migrants.

Annunciation House is not a new group, they’ve been at it for nearly 50 years. The group started in 1978, yet now they are facing brutal attacks from Paxton who asked them to turn over documentation of the migrants on the same day. Annunciation House asked for 30 days, but Paxton refused, insisting that the documents be released the same day. That said, a judge did side with the charity by allowing them 14 days to respond.

The controversial politician accused the charity of facilitating illegal entry to the United States, alien harboring, human smuggling, and operating a stash house.

Texas lawmaker Joaquin Castro (D) responded to Paxton’s accusations against Annunciation House and expressed his disapproval of the request. 

“Annunciation House is a Catholic charity where volunteers dedicate their time to serving the most poor and vulnerable among us. It’s no surprise that Ken Paxton is threatened by people who live to serve others. Texas Republicans are sinking to a new low with this lawsuit,” said Rep. Castro.

Castro has been highly critical of the GOP, as of recent, and referred to some of them as the "Chaos Caucus". Paxton, a potential member of said caucus, is no stranger to criticism and controversy.

After a long and controversial trial in the Senate, Paxton was acquitted of all impeachment charges.

Prior to the acquittal, Paxton had been suspended from his duties after the GOP-controlled House voted 121-23 to impeach him. The 16 impeachment articles that Paxton was accused of included bribery, corruption and misconduct.