LULAC Demands Federal Probe: Members Targeted in Paxton's Voter Fraud Search

League of United Latin American Citizens Calls for Federal Investigation into Texas AG’s Office

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Texas is demanding a federal investigation into an initiative by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office to uncover illegal voter registration operations. LULAC argues that these actions are designed to disenfranchise Latino voters through "police state tactics."

Paxton's office recently began a series of "undercover operations to identify potential voter registration of noncitizens in Texas." However, Gabriel Rosales, state director for Texas LULAC, said Paxton's office had overstepped by targeting the homes of elderly citizens and LULAC members in South Texas.

"I have been contacted by elderly residents who are confused and frightened, wondering why they have been singled out," Rosales stated. "Attorney General Paxton's actions clearly aim to suppress the Latino vote through intimidation and any means necessary to tilt the electoral process in favor of his political allies."

Rosales reported that incidents occurred recently in Dilley, a town between Laredo and San Antonio along Interstate 35, with one encounter resulting in law enforcement forcibly entering a private residence. At least five individuals were involved, three of whom belonged to LULAC, Rosales told the American-Statesman.

"We're just as confused as everyone else," Rosales said. "We're not clear at this point, what we are doing is calling a meeting with the Department of Justice and to see if we can file a formal complaint."

Cecilia Castellano, the Democratic candidate for state House District 80, told the Houston Chronicle that her home was raided Tuesday and her phone was confiscated by law enforcement.

Rosales said the encounters all occurred at private homes, where officers seized phones and computers in search of voter information alleged to have been obtained illegally.

"We feel like they're violating our civil rights, especially with highly contested elections that are coming up," Rosales stated.

On Tuesday, Paxton’s office announced its Election Integrity Unit executed multiple search warrants in Frio, Atascosa, and Bexar counties, tied to ongoing investigations over allegations of election fraud and vote harvesting during the 2022 election cycle.

Paxton announced on Wednesday that the unit had begun conducting "undercover operations" in major metropolitan areas in Texas to identify and prevent illegal voter registration, accusing nonprofit organizations of setting up registration efforts near Texas Department of Public Safety driver license offices.

Paxton said citizens can register to vote when renewing or registering for a driver's license with the DPS, "so there is no obvious need to assist citizens to register to vote outside DPS offices—calling into question the motives of the nonprofit groups."

"My office is investigating every credible report we receive regarding potential criminal activity that could compromise the integrity of our elections," Paxton said.

Paxton's office did not respond to an American-Statesman request for comment after LULAC levied its accusations and has not released additional information on the search warrants executed Tuesday or details about the undercover operations announced Wednesday.

Rosales called the actions of Paxton's office reckless and hate-fueled, linking the raids to LULAC—the nation's oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization.

"It is disgraceful and outrageous that the state of Texas, and its highest-ranking law enforcement officer, is once again using the power of his office to instill fear in the hearts of community members who volunteer their time to promote civic engagement," Rosales said. "We urge you to continue organizing and mobilizing in your neighborhoods and cities to ensure what could be the most significant Latino voter turnout in Texas history."