State Court Rules in Favor of Annunciation House in the OAG Case

EL PASO, TEXAS— Today, Judge Dominguez from the 205th Judicial District Court of El Paso County ruled in favor of Annunciation House regarding the ongoing case with the OAG since early February.

For several months, the OAG has attempted to close Annunciation House and examine sensitive documents involving its guests. In an opening statement following the ruling, TRLA Attorney Jerome Wesevich states, “There is no legal basis for closing a nonprofit that provides social services to refugees.”

In the court’s ruling, Judge Dominguez outlines the boundaries in which the Attorney General’s power is appropriate, especially concerning this case. Attorney Wesevich explains that the OAG’s attempt to close Annunciation House and demand documents was completely illegal on several grounds.

“It’s not surprising that the Court agreed with us on all the grounds.”

Where it stands, the OAG can appeal the Court’s ruling within 30 days of the Court entering the final judgment. Attorney Wesevich has urged the Court to set the final judgment for today, July 2, 2024, in which case the OAG will have 30 days to appeal. Should an appeal be set forth, Annunciation House and TRLA plan to oppose the appeal.

“That is the orderly process established by law, and we’ve always been willing to pursue that,” said Attorney Wesevich in an ending statement.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Sam Rucobo, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Public Relations Manager, srucobo@trla.org 

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid provides free legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney in 68 southwestern counties, including the entire Texas-Mexico border. TRLA attorneys specialize in more than 45 areas of law, including disaster assistance, family, employment, landlord-tenant, housing, education, immigration, farmworker, and civil rights. Our hotline is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CST) Monday - Friday: (956)-996-TRLA (8752) or toll-free at (833) 329-TRLA (8752).