Texas Showdown: LULAC vs. Paxton in Voter Registration Rodeo

Buckle up, folks! The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Texas is calling for the feds to investigate Attorney General Ken Paxton's office for what they're calling "police state tactics" to root out illegal voter registration. This isn't your average political spat; it's a full-blown Wild West standoff!

Paxton's posse has been conducting "undercover operations" to snag potential noncitizen voter registrations. But LULAC's state director, Gabriel Rosales, says Paxton's boys have gone too far, targeting 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 said. "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 says these encounters happened in Dilley, with law enforcement even barging into a private residence. At least five individuals were involved, three of whom were LULAC members.

"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."

Democratic candidate Cecilia Castellano told the Houston Chronicle that her home was raided and her phone confiscated. Rosales says these incidents occurred at private homes, with officers seizing phones and computers in search of voter info.

Paxton’s office announced on Tuesday that its Election Integrity Unit executed search warrants in Frio, Atascosa, and Bexar counties. On Wednesday, Paxton announced undercover ops in major Texas cities to prevent illegal voter registration, claiming nonprofits are setting up shop near DPS offices.

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

Paxton's office didn't respond to requests for comment from the American-Statesman. Rosales called Paxton's actions reckless and hate-fueled, urging Latino voters to turn out in record numbers.

"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.

So there you have it, folks! The Lone Star State just got a little wilder. Stay tuned for more on this political showdown!