A prominent aid group along the U.S.-Mexico border, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, has requested a Texas judge to intervene in a Republican-led investigation targeting nonprofits that assist migrants. This move comes in response to heightened scrutiny faced by several Texas nonprofits, including Catholic Charities, following directives from Governor Greg Abbott.
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley offers temporary shelter and food to up to 2,000 migrants daily during peak border crossings. Governor Abbott, without providing evidence, has alleged potential unlawful activities by some border nonprofits, including aiding illegal border crossings. However, leaders of Catholic Charities have refuted these claims, stating that the state has not presented any evidence to support the allegations.
During a recent hearing in Edinburg, a state District Judge indicated that a ruling on whether the state can depose a member of Catholic Charities may be issued as early as next week. Catholic Charities has already provided over 100 pages of documents to state investigators and is contesting the deposition request.
Sister Norma Pimentel, the executive director of Catholic Charities, emphasized the organization's dedication to serving communities in need, highlighting the tireless efforts of their small staff.
Attorneys for the state Attorney General Ken Paxton's office presented a letter from Republican Rep. Lance Gooden accusing Catholic Charities USA of assisting illegal border crossings. However, Catholic Charities' legal representation argued that the two entities operate independently and that no evidence of wrongdoing has been produced by the state.
Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a 29% decrease in arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico in June, leading to a reduction in the number of migrants served by Catholic Charities to less than 1,000 per day.
Other organizations under scrutiny in Texas include Team Brownsville and Annunciation House. While an El Paso judge ruled in favor of Annunciation House, shielding them from state investigators, Attorney General Paxton announced plans to appeal this decision.
