A long-running Catholic legal aid ministry in Texas says withheld federal reimbursements are threatening its ability to continue serving immigrant families and unaccompanied children.
A Catholic legal aid ministry in Texas says it is on the verge of closing after the US government withheld more than $765,000 in federal reimbursements. The funding shortfall threatens the future of legal services the ministry provides to immigrant families and unaccompanied children.
Estrella del Paso, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, has spent four decades helping immigrants navigate the legal system. Each year, the organization serves more than 40,000 people, making it one of the largest nonprofit providers of immigration legal services in the region.
According to the organization, federal reimbursement payments stopped in late 2025, placing severe financial pressure on its operations. Leaders say the ministry has already exhausted much of its financial reserves while continuing to provide legal assistance to vulnerable migrants.
The Trump administration has argued in court that funding for legal representation of unaccompanied immigrant children is discretionary rather than mandatory. Estrella del Paso disputes that position and maintains that the government is failing to comply with a court order requiring the reimbursements.
Melissa Lopez, the ministry’s executive director, said the organization remains committed to serving those in need despite the financial uncertainty. She warned that without the outstanding payments, the ministry could be forced to reduce services or cease operations altogether.
The situation has drawn attention to the role faith-based organizations play in providing legal and humanitarian support to immigrants. Church leaders and advocates continue to call for a resolution that will allow ministries like Estrella del Paso to continue serving vulnerable communities.
