State continues to seek injunction to require federal government to consult with Texas in advance
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that, as a result of Texas's lawsuit, the federal government provided additional requested information regarding the first group of refugees set to arrive in Texas. Accordingly, the state has withdrawn a request for a Temporary Restraining Order, but continues to seek an injunction requiring the federal government to comply with its statutory duty to consult with Texas in advance of resettling refugees.
"Texas shouldn't have to go to court to require Washington to comply with federal law regarding its duties to consult with Texas in advance,” said Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Our state will continue legal proceedings to ensure we get the information necessary to adequately protect the safety of Texas residents. While we remain concerned about the federal government's overall refugee vetting process, we must ensure that Texas has the seat at the table that the Refugee Act requires."
On Thursday, Texas filed suit on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) against the federal government, citing the Refugee Act of 1980. The federal government had been directing the nonprofit entity tasked with placing the refugees in Texas from disclosing even basic information that would help resolve Texas’s security concerns.
Texas takes in roughly 10 percent of the refugees resettled in the United States, partnering with local volunteer agencies to help refugees transition to the State and pay associated costs.