Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) unleashed a fierce attack against Annunciation House — a nonprofit aiding migrants — escalating a local fight into a defining clash over humanitarian work.

The state would brand many forms of aid to illegal immigrants as a crime. Paxton accuses Annunciation House of fueling unlawful border crossings by providing legal and logistical support. With the Texas Supreme Court clearing the case to advance, Texas is sending a chilling message: It is targeting not just immigrants, but also those bold enough to help them, including those who provide legal advice and shelters.

The lawsuit raises several legal questions, starting with the aiding and abetting unlawful entry under 8 U.S. Code §1324. This traditionally applies to human smuggling, not to legal organizations. Second, the case examines differences in authority. The Texas attorney general relies on provisions of the Texas Penal Code and Texas Humanitarian Aid statutes, claiming that the state has the right to oversee any activity that indirectly........

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