Human Rights Watch criticizes Texas efforts to investigate pro-immigrant groups

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized on Tuesday the efforts of the governor of TexasGreg Abbott, to investigate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that serve the border to migrants newcomers.

Last week Abbott asked the Texas attorney general, Ken Paxtonto investigate “the role of NGOs in planning and facilitating the illegal transport of illegal migrants across our borders”, as explained by the Republican in a statement.

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The governor justified his request in “recent reports” which ensure that “non-governmental organizations may have helped with illegal border crossings near El Paso, Texas”.

Dozens of immigrants arrive at the shelter of the Sacred Heart Church to ask for help, on December 20, 2022, in El Paso, USA. (Photo by Octavio Guzmán / EFE) (Octavio Guzmán /)

Paxton announced on December 15 that it had launched an investigation into groups that provide legal and humanitarian assistance to migrants.

Alison Leal Parkerdeputy director of Human Rights Watch in the US, warned this Tuesday in a statement that Abbott and Paxton “once again take legal action to score political points at the expense of fundamental rights”.

“The decision to investigate immigrant rights groups is an arbitrary and unwarranted attack on freedom of association and expression, with dangerous consequences for other rightsadded Leal Parker.

The investigation of the NGOs by the Texas Attorney’s Office began amid a dramatic increase in the numbers of migrants crossing the border due to the expected end of Title 42, a regulation that allows the expulsion of migrants for health reasons.

Dozens of immigrants arrive at the shelter of the Sacred Heart Church to ask for help, on December 20, 2022, in El Paso, USA. (Photo by Octavio Guzmán / EFE) (Octavio Guzmán /)

A federal judge ordered the application of Title 42 to cease as of this Wednesday, but the US Supreme Court suspended the order in response to a request from several red states, led by Texas, to continue the application of the norm .

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Leal Parker stressed that “all arriving immigrants, regardless of how they enter the United States, have the right to apply for asylum under US law”.

“This dubious investigation is a patently abusive attempt by Abbott and Paxton to block this fundamental right and spread fear among civil society groups engaged in lawful activities protected by US and international human rights law.”, he added.

HRW urged Paxton to stop the investigation.

Source: Elcomercio