Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined fifteen other humanitarian groups that work for the rights of migrants who reach the U.S.-Mexico border in a statement of solidarity with Annunciation House, an organization that offers hospitality to migrants in El Paso, Texas.
February 21, 2024
Borderland Humanitarian and Faith Community Stands in Solidarity with Annunciation House Regarding Texas Attorney General’s Efforts to Criminalize Humanitarian Assistance
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. (Matthew 25:35)
EL PASO, TEXAS – Humanitarian and faith communities providing a dignified welcome to people in situations of vulnerability, including people seeking safety, stand in full solidarity with Annunciation House following the recently declared intent of the Texas Attorney General to end the organization’s critical mission.
The Attorney General’s gross accusations against Annunciation House represent a morally unacceptable attempt at intimidation. These actions seek to criminalize essential humanitarian aid provided by local faith communities and NGOs and are an attack on the fundamental Catholic imperative to welcome the stranger, as well as a vicious targeting of borderland community members resisting the militarization of border communities.
Annunciation House is an essential, reliable, and faithful partner in the El Paso community and has provided essential services, including to federal border enforcement agencies. Annunciation House’s commitment to Catholic social teaching on human dignity and the common good has inspired many who have followed its example.
We denounce the actions of the State of Texas to criminalize those seeking safety and the people welcoming them, both the attack on Annunciation House as well as the clear escalation of the racist Operation Lone Star. We demand that the State of Texas end its campaign of intimidation against people of faith and aid workers and stop using migrants and believers as pawns in political games. We call on the Biden Administration to vigorously defend the protection of vulnerable migrants at the border and to challenge the entire Operation Lone Star in court.
Image of the statement co-signers' logos.