In a legal challenge that's caught the attention of many, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking a stand against Harris County, targeting a decision that earmarks over $1.3 million in taxpayer money to aid in the legal defense of undocumented immigrants, as reported by the Texas Attorney General on November 11. Paxton's lawsuit asserts that the Harris County Commissioners Court's funding allocation to a handful of immigration advocacy groups is not only "blatantly unconstitutional," but also a violation of the state constitution that forbids public funds from being used to benefit private entities without serving a public purpose.
The lawsuit follows a 4-1 vote by the Harris County Commissioners Court which directed funds to organizations including the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Justice for All Immigrants, Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”), Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, and BakerRipley, these groups, which Paxton describes as "radical leftist," are accused of misappropriating public funds to obstruct deportations by the Trump Administration, as per a statement by the Texas Attorney General. The language used by the Attorney General was notably charged, as he declared, "We must stop the left-wing radicals who are robbing Texans to prevent illegals from being deported by the Trump Administration."
According to the Texas Attorney General, funds in question were intended for use in the legal defense of what Paxton refers to as "illegal aliens," suggesting that these individuals have invaded America and now face lawful deportation; the use of such terms is reflective of a broader national dialogue on immigration that remains sharply divided.
According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, the allocation of these funds by Harris County does not serve a legitimate public purpose and may violate the Texas Constitution, which prohibits governmental entities from providing gifts that confer private benefits without serving the public. Paxton’s office described the funding of legal defense for certain individuals as objectionable, according to the original press release.
