Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is at it again. This time, he’s taking aim at an immigrants’ rights organization in Houston, accusing them of violating federal rules that govern nonprofits’ political involvement. FIEL, which stands for Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha, or Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight, is the target of Paxton’s latest lawsuit.
Founded in 2007, FIEL provides education, social, and legal services to immigrant families in the Houston region. However, Paxton claims that the organization crossed a line by criticizing former President Donald Trump, current Governor Greg Abbott, and a new state immigration law.
In a surprising move, Paxton’s office is seeking to dissolve FIEL, accusing the group of engaging in political speech that goes against the rules for nonprofit organizations. This lawsuit marks a new tactic in Paxton’s ongoing efforts to crackdown on groups that support migrants.
FIEL’s Executive Director, Cesar Espinosa, expressed shock at the sudden attack on the organization, which has been a “beacon of hope” for Houstonians for 17 years. The lawsuit alleges that FIEL violated rules prohibiting nonprofits from participating in political campaigns or attempting to influence legislation.
In response, FIEL’s lawyers argued that Paxton’s actions are retaliatory and unconstitutional, citing the organization’s First Amendment rights. They also highlighted FIEL’s advocacy efforts, including social media posts encouraging people to vote against immigration proposals and supporting various immigration policies.
Paxton’s office has a history of targeting organizations that aid migrants, including previous attempts to shut down migrant shelters. The ACLU of Texas has strongly condemned Paxton’s actions, calling them a “familiar formula of loudly publicized harassment” aimed at creating fear and confusion.
Despite the legal battle ahead, FIEL remains committed to its mission of serving immigrant families and standing up for their rights. As the case unfolds in court, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of advocacy organizations in Texas.
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