Court Blocks Harris County From Using Public Funds for Deportation Defense
By Selina Xia Zamacois
AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Supreme Court of Texas has issued an order temporarily halting Harris County from distributing more than $1.3 million in taxpayer funds intended to support legal defense for individuals facing federal deportation proceedings. The decision follows a petition filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that the county’s program unlawfully directs public money toward defending people who lack legal immigration status.
The order, issued on June 27, 2026, states that Harris County is “barred from continuing to disburse funds” connected to the challenged program while the case continues. The court granted temporary relief under Rule 52.10 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, noting that the justices found “serious doubt about the constitutionality” of the county’s actions and uncertainty regarding whether Harris County has statutory authority to operate such a program. The ruling does not decide the case’s final outcome but freezes the program until further review.
Attorney General Paxton filed suit against Harris County after the county approved more than $1.3 million in funding for legal‑service organizations that represent individuals in federal deportation proceedings. Paxton argued that the county’s actions violated state law and misused taxpayer funds.
Harris County had begun distributing funds before the lawsuit reached the state’s highest court. Paxton’s office sought emergency relief, asking the Supreme Court to stop further disbursement while the case is litigated. The court agreed, issuing a temporary order preventing additional payments.
In a press release, Attorney General Paxton called the ruling “a major win for protecting taxpayer dollars.” He stated that Texans should not be required to fund legal defense for individuals facing deportation and praised the court for freezing the program during ongoing litigation.
The Supreme Court’s order is temporary. The underlying legal questions—including whether Harris County’s program is constitutional and whether the county has authority to fund deportation‑defense services—will be decided after full briefing and argument.
For now, Harris County must suspend all disbursements related to the program until the court issues further instructions.
