James Talarico’s Church Draws Attention Over Housing Undocumented Immigrant Claims
A Texas church minister attended for years by Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico has publicly made a new political controversy after she described the congregation as a “Sanctuary Church.”
Reverend (Rev.) Carol Johnson of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in North Austin reportedly said in an undercover video footage that a man from Guatemala had been living at the church for many years. According to the footage which was released by Texas Scorecard, Johnson described the congregation as focused more on values than traditional religious creeds or beliefs.
Follow the footage, the development has drawn criticism from Republicans, including Talarico’s Senate opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton and his campaign have mostly used the church’s immigration practices to challenge Talarico’s views on border security and immigration enforcement.
The controversy alls well follows comments Talarico made in a 2023 interview, when he talks about his church’s previous decision to house an undocumented family facing nearly possible deportation. According to him, that experience was part of the church tradition that helped shape his worldview and eventual political career.
Talarico’s campaign has said he supports stronger border security and immigration enforcement, while arguing that his opponents have misrepresented his positions.
The current dispute has placed immigration and Christianity at the center of an increasingly contentious Texas Senate race.
