Texas AG seeks records from immigration nonprofits, seeks funding sources for ‘border invasion’ aid
Official State of Texas Photo of Attorney General Ken Paxton
Texas and Florida have followed the route of Arizona a few years ago in conducting war on the “invasion of immigrants.”
Debra Cassens Weiss for the ABA Journal Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking information from three immigration and legal nonprofits to determine whether they are spending funds received from the Texas Bar Foundation to “support the border invasion.”
Paxton’s office has sent “requests to examine” to American Gateways, the Tahirih Justice Center and the Equal Justice Center.
Paxton is seeking correspondence to and from the Texas Bar Foundation and documents related to the use of grant funds received from the foundation. The requests cover a period reaching back to Jan. 1, 2012.
Alistair Dawson, board of trustees chair of the Texas Bar Foundation, told Law360 that all three groups were “appropriately funded,” and foundation funds are not being used for “aiding and abetting.”
American Gateways provides immigration legal services, education and advocacy. The Tahirih Justice Center provides legal and social services to people fleeing gender-based violence. The Equal Justice Center promotes fair treatment of low-income families in the workplace and justice system, regardless of immigration status.
The statement of Attorney General Paxton announcing the investigation reads in part as follows:
“`Biden and his allies have caused an invasion at the border and a crisis in the homeland. Not only has this Administration abdicated its duty to secure the border, but it has also actively encouraged an illegal invasion into the United States,’ said Attorney General Paxton. “What’s more, it seems some Texas groups may be facilitating the invasion. I won’t tolerate it. I will stay firm in my duty and responsibility to serve and protect Texans from the fallout of these irresponsible parties,” said Attorney General Paxton.”
KJ