| Houston, Texas – Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee announced today that a court has ruled in favor of Harris County, denying Attorney General Ken Paxton's request to enjoin the county's Immigrant Legal Services Fund. The ruling represents a significant victory for Harris County's authority to serve all its residents. “This is a clear defeat for Ken Paxton and his manufactured attack on our community,” said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee. “The court saw this lawsuit for exactly what it was: a cheap political stunt designed to score headlines. Harris County will not be intimidated or pushed around by state officials who are more interested in pandering than governing.” Paxton filed suit last month, accusing the County’s immigrant legal services program, which has been operating successfully and legally for years, of violating the Texas Constitution. His lawsuit targeted funding that helps immigrants access legal representation in immigration proceedings, a basic due-process protection recognized under federal law. “This program has a clear public purpose, and Paxton knows it,” Menefee added. “These are people who live here, work here, pay taxes, and contribute every single day to Harris County. Making sure they can resolve their immigration status strengthens our economy, keeps families together, and makes our community safer. Paxton’s alternative is to let people sit in detention centers indefinitely because he’d rather chase headlines than support real solutions.” The program partners with trusted area nonprofits to provide legal representation and assistance to eligible residents. Harris County’s contracts include strict performance standards, oversight, and compliance requirements—facts Paxton ignored to advance his political narrative. “We’re going to keep showing up for the people of Harris County,” Menefee said. “And if the Attorney General wants to keep wasting taxpayer dollars attacking programs that make our community stronger, he can keep losing in court.” “For several years, providing legal support to immigrants who are trying to ‘do it the right way’ was never a concern to the Attorney General’s Office. That is, until Ken Paxton decided to run for higher office. I’m pleased the court agreed to allow the program to continue, and I’m thankful to County Attorney Menefee and his team for their work in this case. Enough of these frivolous wastes of taxpayer resources," said Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “Today’s ruling proves what we already knew: The Attorney General’s lawsuit is designed to win him support in an election year, not to succeed in the merits of the law. The Immigrant Legal Services Fund has been running successfully and under the law in Harris County for more than four years, and similar programs are operating in communities across the state. The fund allows immigrants to present their legal case. Judges determine whether or not they are deported, based on each individual’s particular circumstances. It is fundamentally unfair to ask them—sometimes children—to face the court without an attorney,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo “This decision affirms Harris County’s authority to protect the dignity and due process rights of all residents, regardless of citizenship status. The Attorney General’s lawsuit lacked merit, and the court recognized that. I’m proud that we remain committed to supporting families, strengthening community trust, and upholding the fundamental fairness our justice system relies on. I appreciate the County Attorney's Office for their vital work defending our values,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis. |