Texas AG Paxton Pushes Reporting Rule on Big-County Prosecutors

El Paso officials warn the mandate would drain resources and expose sensitive migrant information.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is pushing a new rule that would require district and county attorneys in large counties to file quarterly reports and turn over broad categories of case materials to the Attorney General's Office. El Paso County leaders say the rule would be an administrative burden, divert resources from core criminal work, and risk exposing sensitive information about migrant and mixed-status families. Multiple urban prosecutors, including officials from El Paso, have filed lawsuits arguing the rule goes beyond Paxton's authority.

Why it matters

The dispute has put El Paso officials on a collision course with the state's top law enforcement office, as courts decide whether Paxton can force the disclosures. El Paso leaders fear the rule is politically targeted at urban counties and could undermine the independence of local prosecutors.

The details

Paxton has defended the new reporting rule, known as Chapter 56, as a transparency tool meant to 'rein in rogue' prosecutors. Supporters argue it would help citizens judge how well local prosecutors are doing their jobs. But opponents counter that Paxton does not have the statutory authority to impose these demands in the first place. El Paso officials say their unease is heightened by Paxton's recent legal actions against migrant-serving organizations, which have already made local leaders wary of broad state demands for files and communications.

  • The rule was adopted as Chapter 56 in the administrative code in 2025.
  • A Travis County judge issued a temporary injunction in June 2025 that paused enforcement of the rule.
  • Multiple urban prosecutors, including officials from El Paso, filed separate lawsuits in May 2025 arguing that Chapter 56 goes beyond Paxton's authority.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is pushing the new reporting rule on large-county prosecutors.

Christina Sanchez

The El Paso County Attorney who worries the rule could expose sensitive information about migrant and mixed-status families.

James Montoya

The El Paso District Attorney who says the mandate would pull staff away from core criminal work and bury his office in paperwork.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.