Pope Francis talks about efforts to close down El Paso’s Annunciation House

VATICAN CITY (KVIA) -- On last night's episode of 60 Minutes, Pope Francis addressed the lawsuit against El Paso's Annunciation House. The Texas Attorney General is trying to shut down the migrant shelter, accusing it of illegal activity.

"That is madness, sheer madness to close the border and leave them there," Pope Francis stated. "That is madness. The migrant has to be received. Thereafter, you see how you're going to deal with them. Maybe after you send them back, I don't know. But each case ought to be considered humanly."

ABC-7 spoke to Annunciation House Executive Director, Ruben Garcia, who said it was "affirming" to hear the comments made by the Pope.

"That he would focus specifically on Texas, that he would focus specifically in El Paso, and the situation that Annunciation House finds itself in right now with the Attorney General, it's truly gratifying," said Garcia.

The nongovernmental organization has managed a network of shelters for migrants in El Paso for decades.

In February Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he was looking to revoke Annunciation House's authorization to do business in Texas. Accusing them of "operating a stash house and human smuggling."

The Texas AG's office filed a temporary injunction application against annunciation house earlier this month. 

Garcia said the court has not responded.

"My hope is that the court is going to say, no, we're not going to issue any temporary anything, until we're able to to hear this motion in greater depth and, I think that's something that will be forthcoming in the very near future," said Garcia.

Update: This story has been updated with comments from the Annunciation House director.