Raids on the homes of Latino campaign volunteers in Texas have sparked outrage among civil rights groups, who are now calling for federal intervention. Officers confiscated electronics and documents during the state investigation into alleged election fraud.
No charges have been filed against the individuals whose homes were searched this month around San Antonio. Among them was an 87-year-old campaign volunteer. The volunteers and their supporters claim innocence and argue that the raids are a tactic to suppress Latino voters.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, has confirmed that search warrants were executed but provided little additional information.
Paxton stated that the Election Integrity Unit began the investigation following a referral from a local prosecutor. The probe, which has lasted two years, focused on allegations of election fraud and vote harvesting.
Paxton emphasised the importance of secure elections, noting that his office stepped in after the District Attorney referred the case. Last week, agents searched the homes of at least six people linked to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), one of the oldest civil rights organisations in the US.
Those affected included Cecilia Castellano, a Democratic state House candidate, and Manuel Medina, a political consultant from San Antonio.
Medina reported that agents spent several hours searching his home, seizing documents, computers, and mobile phones. Castellano also had her phone confiscated. Lidia Martinez, who educates seniors on voting procedures, said nine investigators searched her home for over two hours, taking her smartphone and watch.
Martinez, 87, explained that officers said they were there because she filed a complaint about seniors not receiving their mail ballots. The search warrant allowed the seizure of any election-related items. Martinez recounted how officers searched her entire house and interrogated her about others affiliated with LULAC, including Medina. She insisted she was only assisting seniors and had done nothing illegal.
LULAC has requested the Justice Department to investigate the raids. CEO Juan Proaño stated that the group is in contact with the department to block further search warrants and possibly pursue criminal and civil charges against Paxton’s office.
The Justice Department has not yet responded regarding the Texas raids. A Texas district judge has granted Medina a protective order to prevent authorities from examining his records. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for 12 September.
Texas has recently tightened voting laws and increased penalties, which Democrats and critics argue are efforts to suppress minority turnout. Republican lawmakers, however, claim these measures are essential for safeguarding elections.
Paxton, known for his unsuccessful attempt to overturn the 2020 election based on unfounded fraud claims, has prioritised prosecuting voter fraud. He has campaigned against judges who removed his office’s power to prosecute election fraud without local district attorneys’ approval.
Earlier this year, a state appeals court overturned a woman’s voter fraud conviction and a five-year prison sentence for voting in 2016 while on probation for a felony conviction, which she was unaware was illegal.
What Other Media Are Saying
- US News reports that Texas authorities searched the homes of Latino campaign volunteers, sparking outrage from civil rights groups and calls for federal intervention. (read more)
- KESQ reports on Texas authorities searching homes of Latino campaign volunteers, sparking claims of voter fraud investigation and civil rights violations. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why were the homes in Texas searched?
The homes were searched as part of a state investigation into alleged election fraud and vote harvesting.
Who was targeted in the Texas raids?
Targets included Latino campaign volunteers, such as Cecilia Castellano and Manuel Medina, associated with LULAC.
What items were seized during the raids?
Agents seized documents, computers, cellphones, and other election-related items from the homes.
What actions are being taken by civil rights groups?
LULAC has asked the Justice Department to investigate and block further search warrants, and potentially pursue charges against Paxton’s office.
What has been Texas’ approach to election fraud in recent years?
Texas has tightened voting laws and toughened penalties, which critics say suppress minority turnout; Paxton prioritizes prosecuting voter fraud cases.