Texas AG accuses El Paso Annunciation House of human smuggling

FILE – Migrant parents socialize outside the Annunciation House, June 26, 2018, in El Paso, Texas. On Monday, March 11, 2024, a Texas judge ruled in favor of Annunciation House, a large migrant shelter on the U.S.-Mexico border that Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking to shut down over claims that the facility encourages migrants to enter the country illegally. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

by: Tirza Ortiz, Melissa Luna

Posted: Jun 17, 2024 / 01:34 PM CDT

Updated: Jun 17, 2024 / 01:34 PM CDT

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office accused the El Paso Annunciation House of human smuggling during a declaratory judgment hearing Monday morning, June 17.

The hearing was held via Zoom, where state attorney Rob Farquharson said the Annunciation House was in violation of record-keeping practices and knowingly concealed undocumented migrants from law enforcement.

Attorney representing the Annunciation House Jerry Wesevich said there was no evidence of concealing evidence from law enforcement and added that corporations have Fourth Amendment rights.

Wesevich also said the AG’s Office claims were too vague and unconstitutional, adding that the Annunciation House serves migrants under the “Catholic faith” and restricting its practice or shutting the migrant advocacy nonprofit would be a violation of religious freedom.

Wesevich also asked for state District Judge Francisco X. Dominguez’s analysis of Ken Paxton’s demands to prevent the threat of future demand.

Judge Dominguez concluded the hearing by saying that he would give an answer in two weeks.